Eastern-based trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. struck again in a graded stakes at Santa Anita with an out-of-state shipper. On Saturday, it was with Little Jamie in the $100,000 Goldikova (G3) for fillies and mares going one mile on turf.
Ridden for the first time by Tiago Pereira, Little Jamie (9-1) tracked pacesetter Princesa Moche (8-1) in third, ranged up near the leaders entering the stretch and then finished best of all to prevail by a neck over Lady In Paris (14-1). Finishing another length back in third was Baltic Fire (10-1).
This was Little Jamie's second stakes win and first at the graded level. Prior to the Goldikova, the 5-year-old mare by Collected won a second-level allowance at Kentucky Downs going one mile on turf on Sept. 3.
"I just tried to put her in a good spot," Pereira said. "She broke very well and I put her in third. At the five-furlong (pole), I took her out a little to keep her in the clear on the outside. When I moved at the three-eighths she was the same pace. When I pushed a little harder she responded really well. I want to thank the trainer and the owners for giving me the opportunity. Nice win."
Previously this year at Santa Anita, Joseph shipped in Forged...