Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I) winner Life Is Sweet was scratched from the the Jan. 2 San Gorgonio Handicap (gr. IIT) when she "tied up a little" following a jog on the morning of the race, according to trainer John Shirreffs.
Life Is Sweet, who was to be ridden by Garrett Gomez, was the 9-5 morning-line favorite for the 1 1/8-mile turf event for older fillies and mares. The San Gorgonio would have been her first start since her impressive 2 1/2-length victory in the Ladies' Classic Nov. 6 when she rallied from 17 lengths behind to win going away.
Shirreffs said he decided to scratch the 5-year-old daughter of Storm Cat, but did not think the situation was serious. "I sent her out for some exercise and she came back a little tight is all," he said.
He said the Santa Maria Handicap (gr. II) on Feb. 13 over Santa Anita's Polytrack would be a likely spot for Life Is Sweet's return.
Pam and Mary Wygod's homebred bay mare also won the Santa Margarita Handicap (gr. IT) last year and owns a 6-3-1 record in 15 starts while banking $1,770,810.