Mrs. Astor Takes on Male Rivals in San Juan Capistrano

Augustin Stables' Mrs. Astor, a three-time stakes winner in Southern California, faces the opposite sex for the first time in the June 15 $100,000 San Juan Capistrano Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.

A true route specialist, Mrs. Astor should have no issues with the 1 3/4 miles of the San Juan Capistrano. The 5-year-old daughter of Lookin At Lucky, one of three contenders entered for trainer Jonathan Thomas, exits an emphatic five-length score in the May 4 Santa Barbara Stakes over 1 1/2 miles on the Santa Anita turf. 

Jockey Umberto Rispoli, the mare's passenger for her last two outings, has the call from post 6. Being a female, Mrs. Astor will carry 121 pounds Sunday, five less than her chief male rivals Balladeer and Maltese Falcon. The mare is cross-entered in the June 14 Possibly Perfect Stakes, where she would carry co-high weight of 126 pounds over 1 1/4 miles on turf against five fillies and mares.

Thomas will also saddle Time Song, a last-out second in a turf-mile starter optional claimer, and the maiden Arrogate filly For Arrogate, who wheels back in eight days.

Veteran Balladeer will attempt to take the field gate to wire and secure his first victory since taking the John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (G2T) in October 2023. The George Papaprodromou-trained horse nearly stole the May 3 Charles Whittingham Stakes (G2T) on the front end and was only grudgingly passed in the final stages to end up fourth behind the victorious Atitlan. 

Divin Propos, a late-rallying fourth in the 1 1/8-mile Dinner Party Stakes (G3T) at Pimlico Race Course last time out, should appreciate the stretch out back to 1 3/4 miles. Trained by Phil D'Amato, the gelding has been the recipient of several troubled trips since arriving in North America, though did manage a runner-up finish in the March 22 San Luis Rey Stakes (G3T).