Sierra Sweetie Wins Cal Breeders' Champion

Sierra Sweetie, under Victor Espinoza pressed the pace to the quarter pole and went on to an impressive three-length win in Wednesday's $125,000 added California Breeders' Champion Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita.

Sierra Sweetie provided Espinoza with his third win on the day. The California-bred daughter of Old Topper negotiated the seven furlongs in 1:23.45.

Owned by Braugh, Schmitt, Shields and partners, Sierra Sweetie notched her third win from six starts. With the $83,850 banked Wednesday, she ran her total earnings to $235,400.

Trainer Jeff Bonde saddled the winner.

Sierra Sweetie paid $13, $6.40 and $4.40. She's an Eleven was second, returning $6 and $3.80. Unchanged Melody paid $6 to show.

Windy, who broke from the rail as the 9-5 favorite, started awkwardly and although she tried to make an impact around the far turn, ended up fifth in the 10-horse field.

On-track business continues to be strong at Santa Anita. Wednesday's on-track crowd of 8,197 marked a 63% increase over the corresponding date last year. Santa Anita had 34,590 on-track for its opener on Monday and they contributed to an all-time record pari-mutuel handle of $19,004,624.

(Chart, Equibase)