Close menu
Charmaine’s Mia Stretches Out Strongly In Buena Vista
Credit: Ernie Belmonte

Charmaine’s Mia Stretches Out Strongly In Buena Vista

ARCADIA, CA – Agave Racing Stable and Rockin Robin Racing Stables’ Charmaine’s Mia stretched out strongly to win Saturday’s $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park.

( Content Continues Below Ad )

Charmaine’s Mia and red-hot jockey Flavien Prat broke from post 8 as the 6/5 favorite and sat a close pressing trip outside the rail-breaking Bohemian Bourbon early, then took over near the 1/4 pole and prevailed.

The win was her second straight since joining Phil D’Amato’s southern California barn after racing exclusively at Woodbine and Gulfstream Park the past 3 years.

“She’s really fast out of the gate and I wanted to be on the lead, but (Bohemian Bourbon) was pulling very hard, so we were second, which was a good place to be,” Prat said after riding her in a race for the first time. “When we made the lead at the 1/4 pole, she got a good breather, and from there, she finished really well.”

Credit: Ernie Belmonte

The 7/2 second choice Mucho Unusual closed well but ultimately settled for second, 3/4 of a length over fellow California-bred Warren’s Showtime.

Going to VegasRed LarkSloane GardenHeathers Grey, Bohemian Bourbon, and Sedamar completed the order of finish.

Nasty was scratched.

Charmaine’s Mia’s win was her first in a route and came in just her second try at two turns in a 27-race career that includes 6 wins, 4 seconds, and 2 thirds. The 5-year-old daughter of The Factor, who won the 6-furlong Las Cienegas Stakes (G3) in her D’Amato debut, has now earned $352,976 lifetime.

“Flavien said there’s more in the tank,” D’Amato said, who also praised her 71-year-old groom Ricardo Mejia as part of the reason for her immediate success in California. “She rated nice. If she needed to go a little further, it wasn’t a problem, so that definitely broadens her horizons and maybe has us starting to look at Grade 1s.”

Charmaine’s Mia returned $4.60 to win, $3 to place, and $2.40 to show. Mucho Unusual brought back $4.20 to place and $3 to show. Warren’s Showtime paid $3.40 to show.

Join the Inner Circle

Sign up for exclusive 10% discount on orders, plus be the first to access our daily free and premium horse racing picks, articles, podcasts, and more!

Sign Up