Favored Kalypso Wins Santa Ynez

ARCADIA, CA – The 4/5 favorite Kalypso pressed the early pace before drawing off to win Saturday’s $200,000 Santa Ynez Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park.

Kaylpso broke from the far outside post 7 under Joel Rosario and sat along the outside of the rail-breaking Brilliant Cut through opening fractions of :22.53 and :45.13.

Taking over halfway through the turn, Kalypso cruised to a geared-down 1 3/4-length score, completing the 7-furlong fast dirt sprint in 1:23.42.

“She broke good and put me right into the race in a good position,” Rosario said. “I’m just happy to be on her. She was the best horse and she’ll be better going longer distances.”

Frosteria rallied from off the pace to take second by 1 1/2 lengths over Brilliant Cut and Queengol.

Nasreddine and Exotic West, who bumped repeatedly with each other in the early running, completed the order of finish.

The Santa Ynez is part of the Road to the 2021 Kentucky Oaks prep race season. Kalypso earned 10 points for the win, with Frosteria receiving 4 for second, Brilliant Cut 2 for third, and Queengol 1 for fourth.

Kalypso’s win was her second at the stakes level following last October’s 6-furlong Anoakia over the same course, improving her overall record to 5-2-2-1. The Brody’s Cause filly, purchased for $240,000 as a yearling, has now bankrolled $245,600 for co-owners David Bernsen, Rockingham Ranch, and Chad Littlefield.

Kalypso returned $3.80 to win, $2.80 to place, and $2.20 to show. Frosteria brought back $3.60 to place and $2.80 to show, while Brilliant Cut paid $5.80 to show.