Las Cienegas Stakes
Grade III race
LocationSanta Anita Park
Arcadia, California, United States
Inaugurated1974 (as Las Cienegas Handicap)
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
WebsiteSanta Anita Park
Race information
Distanceabout 6+1⁄2 furlongs sprint
SurfaceTurf
Trackleft-handed
QualificationFillies and mares, four-years-old and older
Weight124 lbs. with allowances
Purse$100,000 (since 1998)

The Las Cienegas Stakes is a Grade III American thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares age four and up over a distance of about six and one-half furlongs on the Hillside Turf Course held annually in January at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, USA. The event currently offers a purse of US$100,000.

History

The inaugural running of the event was on 17 February 1974 as the Las Cienegas Handicap, a sprint over the Downhill turf course over a distance of about 6+1⁄2 furlongs for horses that were four-years-old or older. The event was won by Woodland Pines who was ridden by US Hall of Fame jockey Donald R. Pierce in a time of 1:13 flat.[1]

The following year the event was not held.[2]

In 1976 the event was run with conditions for three-year-olds only on the dirt track over a distance of six furlongs. The event was won by Life's Hope who later that year would win the Grade 1 Jersey Derby. In 1977 the event was scheduled in April as with handicap conditions for fillies and mares age four and up over a distance of six and one-half furlongs on the Downhill turf course. The event continued to be scheduled usually in April until 2017 when it was moved to January.[3]

The event was upgraded in 1992 by the American Graded Stakes Committee to Grade III race.[3] In 2013 the event's conditions were changes to a stakes allowance race and the name modified to Las Cienegas Stakes.[3]

The event has been moved to the dirt due to weather conditions in 1979, 1982, 1983, 1986, 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2019.[3]

In 2012 the event was moved to the dirt track and was won by Mizdirection. Mizdirection later that year would return to Santa Anita and win the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. Mizdirection would repeat the unique double in 2013 again winning both events. Mizdirection is the only dual winner of the event.[4]

Due to poor state of the Downhill turf course in 2020 and 2021 the event was held on the proper turf course at a shorter distance.[2] On 11 January 2020, the Las Cienegas Stakes was run for the first time at a distance of 5+1⁄2 furlongs on turf. Brazilian import Jolie Olimpica, making her first start in the United States, set a new Santa Anita Park course record of 1:01 flat for that distance.[5]

In the 2021 running of the event Charmaine's Mia set a new course record for the 6 furlong distance.[6]

Records

Speed record:

Margins:

Most wins:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by an owner:

Winners

Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer Owner Distance Time Purse Grade Ref
Las Cienegas Stakes
2024 Honey Pants 6 Frankie Dettori Philip D'Amato Bakster Farm & Gerald Isbister abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.40 $103,000 III [7]
2023 Amy C (GB) 5 Umberto Rispoli Philip D'Amato Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb & Robert V. LaPenta abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.76 $101,500 III [8]
2022 Zero Tolerance 4 Flavien Prat Ruben Alvarado Custom Truck Accessories, Jason Hall, Joe Kelly & Michael Riordan abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.26 $101,000 III [9]
2021 Charmaine's Mia 4 Drayden Van Dyke Philip D'Amato Agave Racing Stable 6 furlongs 1:07.81 $99,000 III [6]
2020 Jolie Olimpica (BRZ) 4 Mike E. Smith Richard E. Mandella Fox Hill Farms 5+1⁄2 furlongs 1:01.00 $100,000 III [10]
2019 Belvoir Bay (GB) 6 Flavien Prat Peter L. Miller Gary Barber 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:15.06 $98,000 Listed Off turf[11]
2018 Coniah 5 Kent J. Desormeaux William E. Morey James W. & Tammy M. McKenney abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.17 $100,690 III [12]
2017 Watch This Cat 5 Corey Nakatani Richard Baltas Harry Bederian, Harout Kamberian & Hagop Nakkashian 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:16.41 $98,000 Listed Off turf[13]
2016 Dreamologist 4 Flavien Prat Richard E. Mandella LNJ Foxwoods 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:15.56 $100,690 III Off turf[14]
2015 Home Journey 5 Rafael Bejarano Mike Puype GGG Stables & Russell J. Sarno abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.09 $100,750 III [15]
2014 Tribal Spy 4 Joseph Talamo Adam Kitchingman Triple B Farms abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.12 $100,500 III [16]
2013 Mizdirection 5 David R. Flores Mike Puype Jungle Racing, Danny Grohs, William Strauss, Borris Beljak, KMN Racing et al. abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.61 $100,000 III [17]
Las Cienegas Handicap
2012 Mizdirection 4 David R. Flores Mike Puype Jungle Racing, William Strauss, Danny Gohs, Borris Beljak, & Kevin Nish 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:16.50 $98,000 Listed Off turf[18]
2011 Separate Forest 4 Pat Valenzuela Doug F. O'Neill Suarez Racing, Westside Rentals.com & Darin Tsukashima abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.64 $100,000 III [19]
2010 Unzip Me 4 Joseph Talamo Martin F. Jones Harris Farms, Per Antonsen, Marin Jones & Donald Valpredo abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.80 $100,000 III [20]
2009 Gotta Have Her 5 Tyler Baze Jenine Sahadi Green Lantern Stables abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:11.92 $100,000 III [21]
2008 † Lightmyfirebaby 5 Alex O. Solis Barry Abrams Richard O'Neill Trust abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.25 $112,700 III [22]
2007 River's Prayer 4 Clinton L. Potts Paula S. Capestro Bantry Farms, Paula Capestro & Martin Racing Stable abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.99 $108,700 III [23]
2006 Cambiocorsa 4 Jon Court Doug F. O'Neill Leatherman Racing & Ran Jan Racing abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.60 $112,900 III [24]
2005 Elusive Diva 4 Pat Valenzuela Mark Glatt Allen & Susan Branch, John Konecny et al. abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:11.66 $111,100 III [25]
2004 Etoile Montante 4 Javier Santiago Robert J. Frankel Juddmonte Farms abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.32 $112,800 III [26]
2003 Heat Haze (GB) 4 Jose Valdivia Jr. Robert J. Frankel Juddmonte Farms abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.11 $110,000 III [27]
2002 Rolly Polly (IRE) 4 Kent J. Desormeaux Robert J. Frankel Wildenstein Stable abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.55 $108,500 III [28]
2001 Go Go 4 Eddie Delahoussaye Warren Stute Alan B. & Paula Thomas abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.54 $109,500 III [29]
2000 Evening Promise (GB) 4 Danny Sorenson Kathy Walsh Richard Duggan & James R. Vreeland abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.66 $106,400 III [30]
1999 § Desert Lady (IRE) 4 Corey Nakatani Richard E. Mandella The Thoroughbred Corporation abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.65 $109,400 III [31]
1998 Dance Parade 4 Kent J. Desormeaux Neil D. Drysdale H.R.H. Prince Fahd bin Salman abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.60 $108,000 III [32]
1997 Advancing Star 4 Gary L. Stevens Richard E. Mandella Golden Eagle Farm abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.50 $156,550 III [33]
1996 Ski Dancer 4 Gary L. Stevens Gary F. Jones Kallenberg Thoroughbreds abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:14.59 $104,300 III [34]
1995 Marina Park (GB) 5 Alex O. Solis Ian P. D. Jory Greenland Park abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.77 $103,175 III [35]
1994 Mamselle Bebette 4 Chris McCarron Jack Van Berg Big Train Farm abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.05 $87,225 III [36]
1993 Glen Kate (IRE) 6 Corey Black Bill Shoemaker Wayne Gretzky & Bruce McNall abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.71 $104,350 III [37]
1992 Heart of Joy 5 Chris McCarron Gary F. Jones Golden Eagle Farm abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:12.72 $103,475 III [38]
1991 Flower Girl (GB) 4 Eddie Delahoussaye Hector O. Palma William J. Gredley abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.20 $83,400 Listed [39]
1990 Stylish Star 4 Chris McCarron Dan L. Hendricks Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Cavanagh abt. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.00 $80,850 [40]
1989 Imperial Star (GB) 5 Robbie Davis Robert J. Frankel Robert B. Trussel Jr. 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:15.60 $84,200 [41]
1988 Hairless Heiress 5 Gary L. Stevens Noble Threewitt Jawl Brothers 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:15.00 $85,500 [42]
1987 Lichi (CHI) 7 Gary Baze Gary F. Jones Preston Farm 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:14.40 $65,150 [43]
1986 Shywing 4 Laffit Pincay Jr. Jerry M. Fanning Cardiff Stud Farm 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:18.00 $64,550 Off turf[44]
1985 Danzadar 4 Dario A. Lozoya Hector O. Palma Granja Vista Del Rio Stable 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:14.00 $64,250 [45]
1984 Tangent (NZ) 4 Gustavo Barrera Wayne Murty Bacchus, Harrison, McGee, Murty Farm & Stewart 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:15.00 $66,600 [46]
1983 Faneuil Lass 4 Laffit Pincay Jr. D. Wayne Lukas Sam E. Stevens 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:17.40 $68,200 Off turf[47]
1982 Excitable Lady 4 Eddie Delahoussaye Ron McAnally Thomas E. Gentry 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:14.40 $67,650 Off turf[48]
1981 Wishing Well 6 Fernando Toro Gary F. Jones Mr. & Mrs. Michael Lima 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.40 $56,750 [49]
1980 Great Lady M. 5 Pat Valenzuela D. Wayne Lukas Robert H. Spreen 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:14.80 $46,100 [50]
1979 Pressing Date 5 Angel Cordero Jr. William J. Hirsch Jr. King Ranch 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:16.40 $45,500 Off turf[51]
1978 Drama Critic 4 Darrel G. McHargue Ron McAnally Elmendorf 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:14.00 $45,800 [52]
1977 Dancing Femme 4 Bill Shoemaker A. Thomas Doyle Jack L. Finley 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.60 $42,600 [53]
1976 Life's Hope 3 Laffit Pincay Jr. Laz Barrera Harbor View Farm 6 furlongs 1:09.40 $34,500 3YOs[54]
1975 Race not held
1974 Woodland Pines 5 Donald R. Pierce Cecil Jolly Linda Briggs Smith 6+1⁄2 furlongs 1:13.00 $29,900 [1]

Legend:
  Dirt   Turf

Notes:
§ Ran as an entry
† In 2002, Bahama Mama (IRE) won the race but was disqualified and place fourth after stewards ruled she had drifted in the straight. Lightmyfirebaby was declared the winner, Wake Up Maggie (IRE) moved to second and Super Freaky to third.

See also

List of American and Canadian Graded races

External links

References

  1. ^ a b Abbott, Bion (18 February 1974). "Stewards Revers 5-Day Suspension of Don Pierce; Riders Assist Officials in Dropping Ban (1974 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 17 February 1974)". Los Angeles Times. p. 36. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  2. ^ a b "LAS CIENEGAS STAKES - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2021. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d "Stakes profile". www.equibase.com. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  4. ^ Shinar, Jack (6 January 2013). "Hillside Ace Mizdirection Wins Monrovia Again; Jungle Racing's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint champ still perfect on Santa Anita course". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  5. ^ "Jolie Olimpica Sets Course Record in U.S. debut". Thoroughbred Daily News, page 8. 2020-01-12. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
  6. ^ a b "2021 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 9 January 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  7. ^ "2024 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 13 January 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  8. ^ "2023 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 1)". Equibase. 2 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  9. ^ "2022 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 9 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  10. ^ "2020 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 3)". Equibase. 11 January 2020. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  11. ^ "2019 Las Cienegas Stakes Listed - (race 6)". Equibase. 12 January 2019. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  12. ^ "2018 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 20 January 2018. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  13. ^ "2017 Las Cienegas Stakes Listed - (race 3)". Equibase. 7 January 2017. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  14. ^ "2016 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 4)". Equibase. 10 April 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  15. ^ "2015 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 11 April 2015. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  16. ^ "2014 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 5)". Equibase. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  17. ^ "2013 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 13 April 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  18. ^ "2012 Las Cienegas Handicap Listed - (race 8)". Equibase. 14 April 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  19. ^ "2011 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 3)". Equibase. 9 April 2011. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  20. ^ "2010 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 4)". Equibase. 11 April 2010. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  21. ^ "2009 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 12 April 2009. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  22. ^ "2008 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 13 April 2008. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  23. ^ "2007 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 15 April 2007. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  24. ^ "2006 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 16 April 2006. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  25. ^ "2005 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 10 April 2005. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  26. ^ "2004 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 4 April 2004. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  27. ^ "2003 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 4)". Equibase. 5 April 2003. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  28. ^ "2002 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 7 April 2002. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  29. ^ "2001 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 8 April 2001. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  30. ^ "2000 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 4)". Equibase. 15 April 2000. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  31. ^ "1999 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 4)". Equibase. 18 April 1999. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  32. ^ "1998 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 3)". Equibase. 19 April 1998. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  33. ^ "1997 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 5)". Equibase. 19 April 1997. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  34. ^ "1996 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 24 March 1996. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  35. ^ "1995 Las Cienegas Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 8 April 1995. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  36. ^ "1994 Las Cienegas Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 - (race 3)". Equibase. 9 April 1994. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  37. ^ "1993 Las Cienegas Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 3 April 1993. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  38. ^ "1992 Las Cienegas Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 - (race 3)". Equibase. 4 April 1992. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  39. ^ "1991 Las Cienegas Handicap Listed - (race 8)". Equibase. 23 March 1991. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  40. ^ "Santa Anita Charts (1990 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 24 March 1990)". Los Angeles Times. 25 March 1990. p. 97. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  41. ^ "Imperial Star, Davis Win Las Cienegas Handicap (1989 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 26 March 1989)". Los Angeles Times. 27 March 1989. p. 46. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  42. ^ "Hairless Heiress Wins (1988 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 9: held 26 March 1988)". San Bernardino County Sun. The Associated Press. 27 March 1988. p. 47. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  43. ^ "Lichi, a 10-1 Shot Wins Santa Anita Feature by Head (1987 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 26 March 1987)". Los Angeles Times. Times Wire Services. 27 March 1987. p. 73. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  44. ^ "Shywing Wins Las Cienegas Handicap (1986 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 17 March 1986)". Los Angeles Times. 18 March 1986. p. 36. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  45. ^ "Danzadar, Apprentice Lozoya Win (1985 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 19 April 1985)". Los Angeles Times. 20 April 1985. p. 57. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  46. ^ "Tangent Finishes Fast to Win Feature (1984 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 20 April 1984)". Los Angeles Times. 21 April 1984. p. 56. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  47. ^ "Faneuil Lass scores victory in the Las Cienegas Handicap (1983 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 19 March 1983)". San Bernardino County Sun. The Associated Press. 20 March 1983. p. 40. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  48. ^ "Excitable Lady wins 'Anita feature (1982 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 3 March 1982)". San Bernardino County Sun. The Associated Press. 4 March 1982. p. 74. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  49. ^ Abbott, Bion (19 February 1981). "Toro Gets a Charge Out of Wishing Well (1981 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 18 February 1981)". Los Angeles Times. p. 44. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  50. ^ Abbott, Bion (27 March 1980). "Juicy Stakes Win for Valenzuela; 17-Year-Old Jockey Brings Home Great Lady M. at $20 (1980 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 26 March 1980)". Los Angeles Times. p. 57. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  51. ^ Abbott, Bion (29 March 1979). "Pressing Date Snaps Out of It (1979 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 28 March 1979)". Los Angeles Times. p. 62. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  52. ^ Abbott, Bion (30 March 1978). "M'Hargue Sets Stakes Record With 14th Win (1978 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 29 March 1978)". Los Angeles Times. p. 46. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  53. ^ Abbott, Bion (6 April 1977). "Dancing Femme Wins for Shoe (1977 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 5 April 1977)". Los Angeles Times. p. 55. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  54. ^ Abbott, Bion (26 February 1976). "Life's Hope Does Best to Get Win (1976 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 25 February 1976)". Los Angeles Times. p. 44. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
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