This Saturday at Santa Anita Park, the prestigious Grade 3 Royal Heroine Stakes is set to take center stage, featuring a mile-long turf race for older fillies and mares. Among the contenders aiming for victory is Tirupati, who triumphed in last month's Grade 3 Wilshire Stakes. The lineup also includes notable competitors such as Uncorked, the reigning champion of last year’s Royal Heroine, and Raw Ability, an undefeated newcomer with growing potential. With thirteen entries vying for the $100,000 purse, this event promises thrilling competition and high stakes drama.
Tirupati, under the guidance of trainer Jonathan Thomas, captured her first stakes win just recently in the Wilshire Stakes. Her performance was nothing short of impressive, leading from start to finish with jockey Umberto Rispoli aboard. This four-year-old daughter of Mitole has demonstrated consistent ability, having only narrowly lost by a head in her previous Buena Vista (G2) appearance. Backed by Augustin Stables, she enters this contest with a commendable record of four wins, three seconds, and five third-place finishes across thirteen starts, earning over $217,000 in prize money.
Uncorked, trained by Phil D’Amato, seeks to reclaim her past glory after winning last year's Royal Heroine Stakes. Originally based in the east under Brittany Russell, she now competes on the west coast but has not yet matched her earlier success. Despite several graded stakes attempts since her victory, including a fifth-place finish in the Wilshire and fourth in the Buena Vista, she remains a formidable competitor. As a six-year-old bred in Australia, she will have Mike Smith in the saddle for the first time, bringing fresh energy to her campaign.
Raw Ability makes her stakes debut after achieving perfection in her initial three races. Bred in Ireland, she started her career in Gowran before being privately acquired by Hronis Racing and transferred to John Sadler's care. Her transition to American racing proved seamless, winning a first-level allowance at Del Mar last September. Following a significant layoff, she resumed racing with another victory in March at Santa Anita. Jockey Hector Berrios, who has been associated with her domestic starts, continues his partnership for this pivotal moment.
Another contender worth noting is Public Assembly, managed by Abbondanza Racing, Medallion Racing, and Lissa Ann McNulty. Having shifted from Chad Brown's stable to Philip D'Amato's over the winter, she showcased her adaptability with a recent allowance win at Santa Anita. With two victories and one second place in five outings, she aims to build upon her burgeoning reputation.
The upcoming Royal Heroine Stakes presents an exciting opportunity for these talented athletes to prove their mettle. Each participant brings unique strengths and experiences to the table, ensuring that the race will be both competitive and memorable. Whether it's Tirupati seeking consecutive graded stakes victories, Uncorked attempting to recapture her former brilliance, or Raw Ability stepping up to stakes company for the first time, all eyes will be on Santa Anita this Saturday as history unfolds on the turf.
