Zenyatta makes a winning debut in a graded stakes

Although Tiago could do no better than third in his return to the races in the Grade II San Fernando Stakes on Saturday, the weekend turned out fine for owners Jerry and Ann Moss and trainer John Shirreffs.

Zenyatta, who looks like the next star for connections that have had some shining moments in recent years with Giacomo and Tiago, made a smashing graded stakes debut, winning the $150,000 El Encino on Sunday at Santa Anita.

An easy winner despite tardy starts in her first two races against lesser at Hollywood Park, the 4-year-old Street Cry filly and half sister to the multiple stakes winner Balance was dominant in the Grade II, winning while being geared down at the finish by jockey David Flores.

In her usual position off the pace after leaving slowly once again, the 6-5 favorite accelerated when called upon into the stretch and went on to win by 1 3/4 lengths over 3-1 third choice Tough Tiz’s Sis. The final time for the 1 1/16 miles was 1:40.61.

“I really don’t remember riding any other horse that covers so much ground,” Flores said. “She has such a long stride and she does it easy. On the middle of the [far] turn, I asked her and she took off.”

The likely next stop for Zenyatta is the $200,000 La Canada Stakes on Feb. 10. The Grade II is at 1 1/8 miles, a distance that should be right up her alley.

“We think the world of her,” Jerry Moss said. “She could be anything. We’re so proud of her.”

Indian Blessing remained unbeaten in four starts for owner-breeders Patti and Hal Earnhardt, but it was not easy.

The 1-10 favorite in the $150,000 Santa Ynez Stakes, the 3-year-old Indian Charlie filly held on under Garrett Gomez to defeat 12-1 shot Golden Doc A by a head in the Grade II.

Although the margin of victory was the smallest in Indian Blessing’s career -- her three wins as a 2-year-old were by a combined 13 1/4 lengths -- she ran fast over a surface that is exceedingly quick these days. The final time for the seven furlongs was a Cushion track-record 1:19.84.

“It was supposed to be an easy out, but those are the hardest ones to win,” said trainer Bob Baffert, who turned 55 on Sunday. “But she ran her heart out today. It’s exciting to have a filly like her. She just keeps winning.”

In the day’s other graded stakes at Santa Anita, Final Fling, a 10-1 shot fresh off a maiden sprint win last month at Hollywood Park, overtook Grace Anatomy in the final 16th of a mile to win the $108,900 Santa Ysabel.

Joe Talamo, who has warmed up considerably after beginning the meet slow, was aboard the 3-year-old Bertrando filly for owner Michael House and trainer Jeff Mullins. In winning for the second time in four starts, Final Fling ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.96.

Turn Away, the 3-5 favorite, was eased in the stretch. The daughter of Empire Maker, who is owned by breeder Juddmonte Farms and trained by Bobby Frankel, was taken off the track in a van. According to stewards Scott Chaney, Albert Christiansen and Tom Ward, Turn Away was “slightly off” in her right hind leg.

Trainer Todd Pletcher picked up the 2,000th victory of his career when 5-1 shot On The Virg won the eighth race at Santa Anita.

--

bob.mieszerski@latimes.com