Reneesgotzip, who demolished the Santa Ynez Stakes (gr. II) in just her second start last month, worked five furlongs in a bullet :59 2/5 handily from the gate Feb. 26 in preparation for the $250,000 Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I).
The Kentucky-bred daughter of City Zip, unbeaten in two starts for trainer Peter Miller, heads the list of probables for Santa Anita's one-mile Las Virgenes March 3. It will be her first try around two turns.
Her drill at Hollywood Park was the fastest of 32 at the distance on the morning.
“I don’t think a mile will be any problem for her, not the way she trains and the way she’s been running," Miller said. “Going short, she’s been kicking away from them pretty good, so I don’t think the mile’s going to be a problem.”
Owned by Lanni Family Trust, Reneesgotzip, romped on the front end by 7 3/4 lengths in the 6 1/2-furlong Santa Ynez Jan. 15. She was clocked in 1:15.25 on a fast track as an even-money choice. She debuted with a 2 1/4-length maiden victory at Hollywood Dec. 18, defeating the well-regarded Eden's Moon.
Probables for the Las Virgenes, part of a major stakes card on Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) day: Charm the Maker, Joel Rosario; Killer Graces, Joe Talamo; Made to Love Her, Rafael Bejarano; Reneesgotzip, Corey Nakatani; Willa B Awesome, Martin Pedroza; and Your Special Day, Mike Smith.
Trainer Bob Baffert was non-committal on running either Eden’s Moon or Princess Arabella.
Reneesgotzip
Benoit Photography