American Oaks, Mathis Mile Have Grades Restored

The American Oaks (G1) and Santa Anita Mathis Mile Stakes (G2), two of the three graded stakes taken off the turf Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park after rainy weather in Southern California, had their grades reinstated by the American Graded Stakes Committee upon review.

Andy Schweigardt, senior director of industry relations and development for the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and the committee's secretary, noted the other scheduled turf stakes from Santa Anita on Sunday, the San Gabriel Stakes (G3), remained downgraded.

According to graded stakes rules, races are automatically dropped one level when moved from turf to another surface, though the committee can evaluate the race within five days and restore the grade if it deems the race worthy of its initial grade.

Three horses were scratched from the San Gabriel, leaving only four competitors. Just one each exited the Mathis Mile and American Oaks.

The restoration of grade 1 status provides the fillies in the American Oaks with coveted top-level black-type. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and TOLO Thoroughbreds' Queen Goddess , trained by Michael McCarthy, won the American Oaks over Katsumi Yoshida's Nicest  and Head of Plains Partners' Fluffy Socks .

McCarthy also won the Mathis Mile with Twin Creeks Racing Stables' Law Professor . Calvin Nguyen and Joey Tran's Bob and Jackie , trained by Richard Baltas, led throughout for a narrow victory in the San Gabriel.