Reneesgotzip romps in Santa Ynez at Santa Anita

ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) - Reneesgotzip raced to her first graded stakes victory Sunday, taking an early lead and pulling away in a blowout win over five other 3-year-old fillies in the $150,000 Santa Ynez Stakes at Santa Anita.

The even-money favorite making just her second start, Reneesgotzip and jockey Corey Nakatani led by less than a length in the early going, then stretched the lead to four lengths on the turn and won the Grade 2 sprint by a whopping 7 3/4 lengths, covering 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.25.

The margin of victory was the biggest in the race since 1964.

"This is just a tremendous filly,'' Nakatani said.

Bought for just $45,000 by the Lanni Family Trust in April, Reneesgotzip won in her debut race at Hollywood Park on Dec. 14.

Trainer Peter Miller knew he had a special filly on his hands before she raced, but had no idea she would start her career so impressively.

"She had shown a lot of ability, but not this kind of ability,'' Miller said.

Reneesgotzip earned $90,000 for the win, taking her lifetime earnings to $117,000. She paid $4, $2.80 and $2.60. Made to Love Her returned $5.40 and $3.80, and Painted Woman paid $4.20 to show.

Bob Baffert's Candrea finished a disappointing fifth in the Santa Ynez, but the Hall of Fame trainer managed a stakes victory later in the day with Ellafitz, who beat Downhill Diva by 4 1/4 lengths in the $83,000 Paseana Handicap.

Ridden by Martin Garcia, Ellafitz covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.67 and paid $7.40, $4.40 and $3.60. Downhill Diva returned $12.80 and $8.20, and Spirit Seeker paid $6.40 to show.

The heavy favorite, Vision In Gold, was third early but faded badly, finishing sixth in the field of seven fillies and mares.