CJ Thoroughbreds’ dual graded stakes winner Hang the Moon , last of 12 in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) at Del Mar, drops in class and is the likely favorite in the $100,000 Robert J. Frankel Stakes (G3T) Dec. 27 at Santa Anita Park.
Notwithstanding her Breeders’ Cup performance, late-running Hang the Moon has excelled in California this year after joining the West Coast stable of trainer Phil D’Amato. Before the Breeders’ Cup, she won three of her first four races in the state, including the John C. Mabee Stakes (G2T) and Rodeo Drive Stakes (G2T). She is also 2-for-2 over the Santa Anita grass course, having taken the Rodeo Drive locally and an allowance optional claiming race when kicking off her California campaign this year.
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Kazushi Kimura, aboard for both her two stakes triumphs and the Breeders’ Cup, returns in the irons.
D’Amato won the Robert J. Frankel Stakes previously in 2019 with Mirth .
Six fillies and mares oppose Hang the Moon in the 1 1/8-mile Robert J. Frankel Stakes, topped by graded stakes winners Mrs. Astor and Mouffy , both trained by Jonathan Thomas for Augustin Stables. That trainer/owner combination also has a third entry, the up-and-coming Rashmi .
Rashmi and Amo Racing USA’s Omaha Girl , trained by George Papaprodromou, are also entered in the Dec. 26 American Oaks (G1T) over 1 1/4 miles at Santa Anita and could alternatively race there.
Entries: Robert J. Frankel S. (G3T)
Santa Anita Park, Friday, December 27, 2024, Race 7
- Grade IIIT
- 1 1/8m
- Turf
- $100,000
- 3 yo’s & up Fillies and Mares
- 3:00 PM (local)
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