Vanta Aims for Third Consecutive Victory in Surfer Girl Stakes
Witness the Rise: Vanta's Bid for Turf Dominance at Santa Anita's Surfer Girl Stakes!
Vanta's Undefeated Run: From Del Mar Triumph to Santa Anita Challenge
Vanta, a remarkable two-year-old filly, is poised to extend her flawless record as she enters the Grade 3, $100,000 Surfer Girl Stakes this Sunday at Santa Anita. Having already demonstrated her prowess with two consecutive victories, including a dominant performance in the Del Mar Juvenile Turf Fillies, Vanta is now seeking her first graded-stakes triumph. Her previous win, over a mile on turf, showcased her incredible closing speed and strategic navigation through the field, securing a 2 1/2-length lead at the finish.
Strategic Acquisition and Jockey Partnership: The Team Behind Vanta's Success
Purchased for $370,000 by Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures at the OBS March sale, Vanta has proven to be a valuable acquisition. Under the expert guidance of trainer Jeff Mullins and with Umberto Rispoli once again in the saddle, the team is confident in Vanta's ability to tackle the competitive one-mile turf event. Rispoli's familiarity with Vanta's running style, especially her late surge, will be crucial in this challenging race.
Blockade's Redemption Arc: A Familiar Rivalry Rekindled
Among the six formidable rivals Vanta will face is Blockade, who returns to the track for trainer Ryan Hanson and owner WSS Racing. Blockade previously finished runner-up to Vanta in the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf, making her turf debut in that race. Despite leading into the final furlong, she was ultimately overtaken by Vanta's powerful finish. Blockade, a progeny of the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Knicks Go, will once again be ridden by Adrian Escobedo, aiming for a different outcome this time. Her earlier career included a maiden victory at Los Alamitos and a fifth-place finish in the Sorrento (G3).
The Field of Contenders: Analyzing the 2026 Surfer Girl Stakes Entries
The 2026 Surfer Girl Stakes promises an exciting contest with a diverse field of entrants. Each horse brings a unique set of skills and recent performances to the mile-long turf race. Dee Snook, trained by Doug F. O'Neill and ridden by Kazushi Kimura, enters after a victory in the Dmr MSW. Dash, under Michael W. McCarthy and Ricardo Gonzalez, also boasts a recent win in the Dmr MSW. Big Blast, guided by Tim Yakteen and Joel Rosario, similarly secured a first-place finish in the Dmr MSW. River In Paradise, from the Leonard Powell stable with Drayden Van Dyke aboard, placed sixth in the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf. Finally, Less Please, trained by Edward R. Freeman and ridden by Hector I. Berrios, finished fourth in the same Del Mar race. This lineup ensures a dynamic and unpredictable race, with each participant vying for the prestigious Grade 3 title.