Moonshine Memories stamped herself as the division leader with an emphatic victory in the $300,000 Chandelier S. (G1) Saturday afternoon at Santa Anita Park.
With a debut maiden win and also a score in the Del Mar Debutante (G1), the undefeated 2-year-old will now head to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) in a month at Del Mar.
Making her first start around two turns, Moonshine Memories sat a few lengths off of Alluring Star for the first half-mile, then began to cut into the lead around the final turn. Moonshine Memories ran by Alluring Star with little problem, then cleared off in the stretch to win by 2 3/4-lengths in 1:46.32 on the fast main track.
“I just like the way she sat off horses and relaxed really well,” winning trainer Simon Callaghan said. “That’s the key to getting these longer distances. We know she’s got speed, and she’s proven it in these two other races, but today she showed she relaxes, and that makes everyone’s job easier.”
Owned by Bridlewood Farm, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, Moonshine Memories has earned $396,000 in her three wins. She was bred in Kentucky by Summer Wind Farm and is out of Unenchantedevening, who is a half-sister to Horse of the Year Favorite Trick.