Canani All Smiles After Sweet Catomine's Drill
by Margaret Ransom
Date Posted: 2/26/2005 7:57:18 PM
Last Updated: 2/26/2005 10:27:22 PM

Sweet Catomine preps for Santa Anita Oaks. Photo: Patty Yount

Jockey Corey Nakatani was aboard the daughter of Storm Cat for the move, which was the 11th fastest of the 105 who went the distance on the day.

"She went in :59 2/5 and (Nakatani) wasn't even moving on her," trainer Julio Canani said. "She galloped out in :12 1/5 and got the seven furlongs in 1:26 1/5, so I'm obviously happy."

Though there's been a lot of discussion about Sweet Catomine facing the boys in several races, including the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) or the Florida Derby (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park, Canani is focused on her next start, which will be against her own sex and at her own track.

"Let's take care of the Oaks first and then after the Oaks we'll go from there," Canani said. "Whatever it is, we'll stay in town."

Sweet Catomine, who was bred by owners Pam and Marty Wygod, has won her last four starts – all in stakes company -- including the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) and Hollywood Starlet (gr. I). In her lone appearance as a sophomore, the bay Kentucky-bred won the Santa Ysabel Stakes (gr. II) by two lengths on Jan. 16. From five starts overall, she's banked $864,600.

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