PROMISING JANE AUSTEN STAYS ON THE ASCENT WITH VICTORY IN $55,000 ALLOWANCE FRIDAY AT SANTA ANITA

3-year-old Tapit filly now 2-for-2 for trainer Mark Glatt

ARCADIA, CA (May 17, 2024)—The promising 3-year-old filly Jane Austen cleared multiple hurdles Friday at Santa Anita when eking out a half-length victory in a $55,000 allowance/optional claimer going a mile on dirt.

Making her first start against winners, and first time around two turns, Jane Austen (6-5) with Antonio Fresu up prevailed in a thrilling stretch duel with even-money favorite In Theory. Stewards lit the inquiry sign due to bumping in the stretch between the top two finishers but made no change.

A 3-year-old Tapit filly, Jane Austen is now 2-for-2 for trainer Mark Glatt. She was a $750,000 auction purchase by owner Muir Hut Stables at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale.

“She’s still a little bit green, there was some bumping in the stretch, but she overcame it.,” Glatt said. “It was a good steppingstone to hopefully bigger and better things.”

Jane Austen won in a final time of 1:38.19. With no show wagering, she returned $4.60 and $2.40.

On April 21 at Santa Anita, Jane Austen won her debut by a neck when going seven furlongs under Fresu

“She handled herself well being her second time out, which is important for all horses because now they know what they are doing,” Glatt said. “She settled nicely. She was a little keen when sprinting the first time, so it was nice to see that.”

In Theory, trained by Bob Baffert, was also making her first start around two turns. The Mendelssohn filly, who sold for $800,000 at auction last year, set the pace under Umberto Rispoli with Jane Austen lapped to her outside throughout. Fractions for the race were 23.58, 48.31 and 1:12.42 for six furlongs.

In Theory paid $2.60 to place. She previously won her debut going six furlongs here March 23 and then came back to be third in a 6 ½-furlongs allowance April 21, also at Santa Anita.

Live racing resumes Saturday at Santa Anita with a 10-race card starting at 1 p.m. PT. As it’s Preakness Stakes Day, Santa Anita’s East Gate will open at 7:15 a.m. for simulcast wagering from Pimlico. All other admission gates will open at 11 a.m.