Queens Court Queen’s Victory Gives Paseana a Third Second

Paseana, champion older filly or mare in 1992-93, finished second in the Santa Maria Handicap for the third consecutive year Sunday when her stablemate, Queens Court Queen, won the stake by 4 1/2 lengths at Santa Anita.

Another stablemate, Race the Wild Wind, started Paseana’s runner-up rut in the Santa Maria in 1993, and last year she was beaten by Supah Gem. Paseana won the race in 1992.

Key Phrase, undefeated in five sprint starts and the 9-10 favorite, led until mid-stretch Sunday before finishing third, three-quarters of a length behind Paseana.

Queens Court Queen and Paseana both are trained by Ron McAnally. Queens Court Queen, ridden by Corey Nakatani, made her first start at the meet with a 5 1/2-length victory in the San Gorgonio Handicap. In the Santa Maria, she carried 118 pounds, five fewer than Paseana, and ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:41 3/5, which was three-fifths slower than the stakes record.

McAnally said he plans to run both mares in the Santa Margarita Handicap on Feb. 26. Paseana has won that race two of the last three years and finished second to Southern Truce the other time.