ANISETTE MAKES IT A GI HAT TRICK IN MONDAY’S $300,000 GAMELY STAKES FOR FILLIES AND MARES AT 1 1/8 MILES ON TURF

ARCADIA, CA (May 27, 2024)— Following a six-month layoff Anisette and jockey Umberto Rispoli edged eastern invader Olivia Maralda to earn her third Grade I win in Monday’s $300,000 Gamely Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf on Monday at Santa Anita.

Anisette (5-2) settled in mid-pack behind run-off leader Ruby Nell (5-2), who was all alone while setting fractions of 24.09, 47.57 and 1:11.69 under Edwin Maldonado. Ruby Nell led until the top of the stretch when both Anisette and Olivia Maralda, under Flavien Prat, rushed past on her outside.

Anisette proved to be going the best, as she crossed the wire a half-length ahead of William Walden-trained Olivia Maralda.

Trained by Leonard Powell, Anisette won in a final time of 1:46.90. Olivia Maralda finished a length in front of third-place finisher Forever After All (17-1), who shipped from Kentucky for trainer Brendan Walsh.

A 4-year-old Awtaad filly, Anisette hadn’t started since winning the 1 ¼-mile GI American Oaks Dec. 26 at Santa Anita for owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Last year she also won the GI Del Mar Oaks and GII San Clemente ad Del Mar. She is now 10: 6-3-0 with $786,871 in earnings.

Anisette, who was the second choice with $754 fewer dollars in the win pool than Ruby Nell, paid $7.60, $3.60 and $2.60. Olivia Maralda returned $6.00 and $3.40 and Forever After All, ridden by Juan Hernandez, returned $6.60.