Toinette Clearly the Best in Wilshire

ARCADIA, CA – An hour before seeing Oleksandra win a thrilling edition of the Jaipur Stakes (G1), trainer Neil Drysdale’s Toinette drew clear at the 1/8 pole to prove much the best in Saturday’s $100,000 Wilshire Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park.

Breaking from the far outside post 6 under Flavien Prat as the 3/5 favorite, Toinette initially fought outside of Keeper Ofthe Stars for the lead before Gypsy Spirit pulled her way to the front. Setting a commanding advantage midway through the race, Gypsy Spirit’s lead faded in the far turn as Toinette ranged up and took it back.

Drawing away steadily in the stretch, Toinette crossed 2 3/4 lengths ahead in a final time of 1:35.20 for the 1-mile firm turf route.

“There was no pace,” Prat said. “She was a little fresh, she took me into the race. (Gypsy Spirit) made the move to the outside, she got the race to go. My horse took a little breather and she was in the race from there. I didn’t want to be on the lead, so I was glad there was a horse that made the move and made some pace.”

Red Lark rallied from last to take second by a 1/2-length over Querelle, while Gypsy Spirit faded to finish a neck behind them in fourth. Keeper Ofthe Stars weakened steadily before completing the order of finish.

Cordiality and Simply Business were scratched.

Toinette’s win came in her first start back since finishing fourth in last December’s Matriarch Stakes (G1) at Del Mar. The 5-year-old Scat Daddy mare improved her overall record to 12-8-0-1 with $566,720 earned for co-owners Ken Baca, Edward Hudson, Jr., and Lynne Hudson.

“It was a strangely-run race, but I liked the outcome,” Drysdale said. “You’re always a little concerned when a horse has had six months off. It’s great to have her back.”

Winner returned $ to win, $ to place, and $ to show. Place brought back $ to place and $ to show, while Show paid $ to show.