Footstepsinthesand Filly Flies Home In Grade 3 Contest

The progressive Burgoo Alley (3f Footstepsinthesand - Nurama, by Daylami) struck late to land Saturday’s Grade 3 Autumn Miss Stakes at Santa Anita.

Successful last time out over the same trip of a mile, the Phil D’Amato-trained filly was ridden towards the back of the field by Umberto Rispoli, who was forced to bide his time behind a wall of horses. Angling his mount out entering the straight, the chesnut ran on strongly to lead close home, denying the Stakes-winning favourite by half a length on the line.

Speaking after the race, Rispoli commented, “I think the distance is the key for her. I knew today that I could end up in a nice spot. She was sharp from the gate, giving me the chance to be where I wanted to be, I got a very nice trip and she put down a nice performance.”

Purchased privately after finishing second in a Dundalk maiden for Paddy Twomey, Burgoo Alley is now owned by CYBT, Michael Nentwig and Ray Pagano. The daughter of Footstepsinthesand was bred by Eoghan Grogan.