The China Doll Stakes, set to take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Santa Anita Park, is a competitive turf race for 3-year-old fillies.
Race Details
- Race Name: China Doll Stakes
- Distance: 1 mile
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: $100,000
Contenders
1. Tequilaandtherapy
- Jockey: Edwin Maldonado
- Trainer: Doug O’Neill
- Pedigree: By Mrazek, out of Chexcess (In Excess).
- Analysis: Tequilaandtherapy has been consistent, finishing in the money in her last three starts. She was fourth in her most recent race, a 1-mile allowance optional claiming event at Santa Anita. Her pedigree emphasizes speed and stamina, making her a solid contender in this field.
2. Casalu
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Trainer: Bob Baffert
- Pedigree: By Caracaro, out of Key D’oro (Medaglia d’Oro).
- Analysis: Casalu enters the race as one of the favorites, having won the Sweet Life Stakes at Santa Anita in February. Her pedigree combines speed and class, and with Prat aboard, she is expected to be a strong contender.
3. Amorita
- Jockey: Juan Hernandez
- Trainer: Richard Mandella
- Pedigree: By Liam’s Map, out of Cara Bella (Ghostzapper).
- Analysis: Amorita is coming off a victory in a 1-mile allowance optional claiming race at Santa Anita. Her pedigree suggests a strong mix of speed and stamina, and she has shown the ability to handle the turf well.
4. Take Another Card
- Jockey: Hector Berrios
- Trainer: Simon Callaghan
- Pedigree: By I’ll Have Another, out of You Missed It (Lookin At Lucky).
- Analysis: Take Another Card finished third in her last start, a close race against Amorita. Her pedigree emphasizes stamina, and she has the potential to improve with the right trip.
5. Will Then
- Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
- Trainer: Jonathan Thomas
- Pedigree: By War of Will, out of Remember Then (Pulpit).
- Analysis: Will Then is a lightly raced filly with a strong pedigree. She won the Jimmy Durante Stakes (G3) at Del Mar in November and has been training well for her return. Her pedigree suggests she has the class and stamina to compete at this level.
Pedigree Overview
The field features a mix of proven sires, including Liam’s Map, Caracaro, and War of Will, highlighting the depth of talent in this race. Many of the contenders have pedigrees that emphasize a combination of speed and stamina, making this a competitive mile-long turf event.
Key Storylines
- Casalu’s Momentum: Can she build on her impressive win in the Sweet Life Stakes?
- Amorita vs. Take Another Card: A rematch between these two fillies adds intrigue to the race.
- Will Then’s Return: After a layoff, can she replicate her Grade 3-winning form?
