Angel Gift Looking to Steal Lady's Secret from Azeri

The Paddy Gallagher trained Angel Gift is due for a win after running second in three consecutive races, including falling two lengths shy of Azeri in the Aug. 11 Clement Hirsch Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar. Gallagher is hoping that win will come in Wednesday's $200,000 Lady's Secret Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) on opening day of the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meet.

"She's been consistently running good races, and she's training good," Gallagher said. "It's all up to the jockey now."

Angel Gift, a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Allen's Prospect, has won three of 14 career races, but has just one win in seven starts this year. Brice Blanc retains the mount.

Azeri, widely considered the top distaff female on the West Coast, will carry 127 pounds, which represents the highest impost ever carried in the Lady's Secret.

The daughter of Jade Hunter has won eight of nine career starts, including four consecutive grade I races. She has earned $1,057,240 for the Allen Paulson Living Trust.

The field for Wednesday's $200,000 Lady's Secret Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) includes:
1 -- Spunky Gal (Matt Garcia, 112)
2 -- Elaine's Angel (Alex Solis, 112)
3 -- Angel Gift (Brice Blanc, 114)
4 -- Starrer (Pat Valenzuela, 115)
5 -- Azeri (Mike Smith, 127)
6 -- Netherland (David Flores, 114)
7 -- Adoration (Garrett Gomez, 111)
8 -- Mystic Lady (Gary Stevens, 116)