Race Recaps Just Grazed Me Defends California Distaff Title October 10, 2020 Credit: Ernie Belmonte Race Recaps Just Grazed Me Defends California Distaff Title October 10, 2020 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article ARCADIA, CA – Nick Alexander homebred Just Grazed Me successfully defended her title in Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap at Santa Anita Park. ( Content Continues Below Ad ) Just Grazed Me was the 1/2 favorite as she broke so alertly from post 4 under Umberto Rispoli that she was on the lead without intending and soon allowed Gypsy Blu to set the tempo. Just Grazed Me settled between Gypsy Blu and fellow Alexander homebred/Phil D’Amato trainee Althea Gibson through opening fractions of :22.67 and :45.61. Digging in to fight her way to the lead in mid-stretch, Just Grazed Me held sway to win the 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint by 3/4 of a length in 1:02.99. Credit: Ernie Belmonte “This kind of race is always tricky because with five runners, you can expect a lot of speed or you can’t expect speed at all,” Rispoli said. “I knew Gypsy Blu on the outside broke slow, so I was thinking they were going to send her forward and I didn’t want to be in that trap. I saw around the corner that I could track her all the way” Gypsy Blu gamely held second by a nose and a head over Nardini and Althea Gibson. Smiling Shirlee was 2 lengths behind them to complete the order of finish in the five-horse field restricted to California-bred or sired fillies and mares. Fantasy Heat was scratched. Just Grazed Me’s win was her first of the year and improved her overall record to 14-7-4-1 with $494,332 earned. The 5-year-old Grazen mare was making her first start since finishing fifth in the Monrovia Stakes (G2) on over this course on May 25. “She’s one of the barn favorites,” D’Amato said. “These Grazens can do anything. They make even me look good.” Just Grazed Me returned $3 to win, $2.20 to place, and $2.10 to show. Gypsy Blu brought back $4 to place and $2.80 to show, while Nardini paid $2.40 to show.
BLINKERS OFF 604: Kentucky Derby Preps and Dubai World Cup Picks The Racing Dudes preview four 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) prep… Read More
The Magic Mike Show 452: Bayou Bluegrass 5 Preview | Fair Grounds & Turfway Park Picks The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
DWBS 135: Sweet 16 PICKS and Louisiana Derby PREVIEW Aaron and Papa Dude give their thoughts on the Sweet… Read More
The Magic Mike Show 451: Gulfstream Wednesday Late Pick 5 Preview The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
BLINKERS OFF 603: Kentucky Derby Bold Takes and Rapid-Fire Picks The Racing Dudes take a closer look and dish out… Read More
2023 Louisiana Derby Replay | Kingsbarns Wires Kentucky Prep For Pletcher; Instant Coffee Off The Board Kingsbarns won the 2023 Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds… Read More
2023 Sunland Park Derby Preview & FREE Picks | Baffert Looks For Record 4th Win With Hard To Figure Mike previews the 2023 Sunland Park Derby (G3) from Sunland… Read More
2023 Sunland Park Oaks Preview & FREE Picks | Baffert’s Doinitthehardway Invades Kentucky Oaks Prep Mike previews the 2023 Sunland Park Oaks from Sunland Park,… Read More
2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks Replay | Two Phil’s Defeats Major Dude For Kentucky Derby Points Two Phil’s won the 2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at… Read More
2023 Fair Grounds Oaks Replay | Southlawn Swoops Past Pretty Mischievous For Big Win Southlawn won the 2023 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) at Fair… Read More