Ain’t Easy tops Santa Ysabel

Mar 04, 2022 James Scully/TwinSpires.com

Ain’t Easy established
herself as a major contender for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) when
romping in the Chandelier (G2) in early October, but she was forced to miss the race due to injury. The exciting filly will look to join the Kentucky Oaks (G1) discussion when she returns in Sunday’s $100,000 Santa Ysabel (G2) at
Santa Anita.

Trained by Phil d’Amato, Ain’t Easy has rallied from just
off the pace to win both career starts by open lengths. She’s by Into Mischief,
the sire of the last two Kentucky Derby winners, and John Velazquez will pick
up the mount.

Nine are entered for the 1 1/16-mile race, including Eda and Cairo Memories, the top two respective finishers from the Dec. 4 Starlet (G1) at Los Alamitos. Eda has won three straight stakes for Bob
Baffert, who has also entered Santa Ynez (G2) winner Under the Stars in the Santa Ynez. Juan Hernandez retains the mount
on Eda, and Flavien Prat guides Under the Stars.

A Road to the Kentucky Oaks series qualifier, the Santa
Ysabel offers points on a 50-20-10-5 scale to the top four finishers, but
Baffert’s trainees aren’t eligible to earn points.

Cairo Memories made her first three outings on turf, winning
the Surfer Girl S., and switched to the main track with a half-length second in
the Starlet. Mike Smith rides for Bob Hess Jr.