Marathoner Linda's Gift Rides Win Streak to Santa Ana

Linda's Gift  looks to continue her march to supremacy in California's long-distance female turf division Feb. 24 in the 1 1/4-mile, $100,000 Santa Ana Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.

The Richard Mandella trainee enters off consecutive front-running scores in the 1 3/8-mile Red Carpet Stakes (G3T) Nov. 23 at Del Mar and Santa Anita's 1 1/2-mile Astra Stakes Jan. 21 for owners John Cronin, Anthony DiMarco, Michael Mandara, Fred Nicotra, and Vincent Varvaro.

Video: Astra S. (BT)

In addition to being undefeated in two starts beyond 1 1/8 miles, the 5-year-old daughter of Arrogate is 3-for-3 when allowed to set the pace.

Khinjani  appears to be one of her foremost challengers. The Mark Glatt-trained runner competes for owners Jackpot Farm, Lordship Stud, Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners, and Joseph Navarro.

Having raced the distance in seven of her last eight starts, the 4-year-old daughter of Sir Percy  won her United States debut in allowance optional company just two races after Linda's Gift won the Astra Stakes.

Also In the Field

• Queens Command  also won her first race in this country in an allowance optional claimer at Santa Anita Jan. 7. This will be her first start beyond a mile.
• Musical Rhapsody  finished second to Linda's Gift in her last two starts.