Hronis Racing’s classy Stellar Wind, who appeared to be a strong contender for national three-year-old filly honors this spring until she finished fourth as the favorite in the Kentucky Oaks, figures to be a strong favorite Sunday in the 38th running of the Grade III $100,000 Torrey Pines Stakes at one mile.
After her troubled trip and disappointment in Kentucky, the daughter of Curlin rebounded to win the Grade II Summer Oaks at Santa Anita June 20, nosing out Tara’s Tango in a prolonged stretch battle. During the winter, she swept the Santa Ysabel and Grade I Santa Anita Oaks to emerge as the West’s top hope for an Eclipse Award in her division.
Regular rider Victor Espinoza again has the call on Stellar Wind from trainer John Sadler.
Heading Stellar Wind’s opposition will be the unbeaten Big Book, stepping up into open stakes competition after winning the Fleet Treat Stakes for California-breds, her third victory, July 25. Rafael Bejarano will be aboard.
Others in the line-up are Roksana, Felipe Valdez; Rattataptap, Tyler Baze; Hone In, Mike Smith, and Ultimate Holiday, James Graham. Rattataptap has been competing in stakes company this year and comes into the Torrey Pines from a sixth-place finish in the Grade I Del Mar Oaks on the grass.
The Torrey Pines Stakes is programmed as the third event on a ten-race Sunday card beginning at 2 p.m.