Front-running Angel Nadeshiko found a little give in the turf to her liking as she led every step of the $100,500 Robert J. Frankel Stakes (G3T)—landing her first graded stakes win Dec. 30 at Santa Anita Park.
Owner U.S. Equine and trainer Patrick Gallagher’s decision to supplement Angel Nadeshiko paid off as jockey Antonio Fresu helped the 4-year-old Carpe Diem filly find her comfort zone through a half-mile in :51.16 on good turf in the 1 1/8-mile test for fillies and mares. After enjoying a clear advantage throughout, Angel Nadeshiko had plenty left late as she posted a three-quarter-length win over 8-5 favorite Lakota Spirit ..
After trying different approaches, Gallagher opted to go to the lead Saturday. “They left her alone long enough, so we are very happy,” he noted.
Longshot Angel Nadeshiko returned $39.80 to win.
- In five previous turf races Angel Nadeshiko raced three times at a mile and once each at six furlongs and 1 1/16 miles. She completed the 1 1/8 miles Saturday in 1:50.69.
- Fresu is closing 2023 in style as his Frankel Stakes victory follows Dec. 26 scores aboard Easter in the San Gabriel Stakes and Watsonville in the Mathis Mile Stakes (both G2T). The three recent victories on the Santa Anita turf give him six graded stakes wins this season—in essentially his first year in the United States (two mounts in 2022).
- From the family of champion 3-year-old filly Proud Spell , Kentucky-bred Angel Nadeshiko is the first starter for the unraced Arch mare Cianchetta.
Video: Robert J. Frankel S. (G3T)
