McCarthy Leaning Toward Santa Monica Return for Ce Ce

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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Victor Espinoza celebrates a victory from Ce Ce in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Del Mar

Santa Anita Park could showcase a Breeders' Cup winner and possible champion Feb. 5 if Ce Ce makes her 2022 debut in the Santa Monica Stakes (G2).

Her trainer, Michael McCarthy, told Santa Anita Park publicity that while he is keeping "all options open," he was presently leaning toward a start in the Santa Monica for the 5-year-old Elusive Quality  mare, owned and bred by Bo Hirsch. Another option could be the Inside Information Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 29. Both races carry a $200,000 purse and are at seven furlongs

"Both are in play," McCarthy said.

"We're very proud of her being a finalist for an Eclipse Award," he said, referring to the champion female sprinter division with Bella Sofia  and Gamine .

Under Hall of Famer Victor Espinoza, Ce Ce won four races last year, capped by the Breeder's Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) at Del Mar Nov. 6. She has not raced since.

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She also won the Chillingworth Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita and an allowance optional claimer at the Southern California oval. She also traveled to Gulfstream and won the Princess Rooney Invitational Stakes (G2) there.

Espinoza previously said Ce Ce can be "picky" about liking certain track surfaces.

"I thought her year was very good," McCarthy continued. "She shipped a few times and ran respectably wherever she went. Her Breeders' Cup performance was dominating."