Perry and Ramona Bass's homebred Ice Dancing served notice in the 3-year-old filly division Jan. 8 when rolling to a dominant 3 ¼-length victory in the Santa Ynez (G3) going seven furlongs at Santa Anita.
The victory could set up a potentially juicy matchup in the Las Virgenes (G3) going one mile on Jan. 28 between Ice Dancing, Starlet (G1) winner Faizan, and highly regarded stakes winner Justique among others.
The Santa Ynez was originally scheduled to be run on Jan. 1 but was postponed a week when inclement weather forced the cancellation of that day's racing program. The delay may preclude Ice Dancing from wheeling back in the Las Virgenes, Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella said.
“She is doing great and we will think about the Las Virgenes, but it might be too soon for her,” Mandella said.
In the Santa Ynez, Ice Dancing was last of five after an opening half mile in :45.12. She then proceeded to take aim at the leaders on the turn under Flavien Prat and surged to the front in the final furlong to win going away in a final time of 1:23.26.
Both the Santa Ynez and Las Virgenes are Kentucky Oaks (G1) qualifiers. Ice Dancing currently sits fifth on the Kentucky Oaks Leaderboard with 12 points.
The expectations for Ice Dancing have been high since her arrival in Mandella's barn last summer. After finishing third in her debut at Del Mar in August, she was sent straight to the Del Mar Debutante (G1) where she again finished third. The daughter of Frosted remained in graded stakes company when fourth in the Chandelier (G2) going 1 1/16 miles before returning to the maiden ranks and scoring at Del Mar on Nov. 25.
“She always gave us the feeling she's a pretty good filly and hopefully she's getting better,” Mandella said.
The post Mandella Considering Las Virgenes For Ice Dancing appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
