Warren’s Showtime Unleashes Sharp Rally in California Cup Oaks

ARCADIA, CA – Benjamin and Sally Warren homebred Warren’s Showtime unleashed a sharp inside rally in the stretch to convincingly capture Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Oaks at Santa Anita Park.

Breaking from post 5 under Jorge Velez at 4/1 odds, Warren’s Showtime safely angled over to the rail before settling into fifth heading into the clubhouse turn. Up front, Bulletproof One and jockey Ruben Fuentes shot out to an early lead while posting fractions of :23.14, :48.11, and 1:12.78.

Continuing to ride the fence as she rounded the turn for home, Warren’s Showtime took advantage of the opening Bulletproof One created when she drifted out at the top of the lane. Powering away under only mild urging, the Craig Lewis trainee drew off before crossing 3 1/2 lengths clear in a final time of 1:36.50 for the mile-long event over the firm turf course.

“She’s got a really good late kick,” said Velez, who has ridden Warren’s Showtime in all six of her starts. “She likes to run inside, so it makes it easier to save ground. When I came here, my agent (Nelson Arroyo, Jr.) had me look at lot of tapes of Laffit Pincay and it’s helped me. Craig has been so great to me; he’s put me on so many of his horses. This is my biggest win and I feel really happy to have the opportunity.”

Despite growing leg-weary in the late stages, Bulletproof One held sway at the wire to take second in a blanket five-horse photo finish. Warrior’s Moon was a neck back in third, while California Kook was a head behind him in fourth. One and two necks further back came Smiling Shirlee and Homehome to round out the top six.

Wise Rachel, Almost a Factor, Cholula Lips, Midnight Sunrise, the non-factoring 3/1 favorite Been Studying Her, and Smokin Hot Bobbie completed the order of finish.

Warren’s Showtime’s win was her second at the stakes level, having taken the local Surfer Girl Stakes against open company on October 6, 2019. The 3-year-old daughter of Clubhouse Ride (a two-time Californian Stakes [G2] winner who Lewis also trained) now sports a record of 6-3-0-2 with $236,271 earned.

“This sire has kept me alive,” Lewis said. “We are reaping the benefits of the offspring. He is wonderful for California. We couldn’t be more excited about the future with him.”

Warren’s Showtime returned $10.20 to win, $4.80 to place, and $4.20 to show. Bulletproof One brought back $4.60 to place and $4 to show, while Warrior’s Moon paid $8.40 to show.