Limited pace in the Dec. 27 Robert J. Frankel Stakes (G3T) essentially turned the $100,000, 1 1/8-mile turf race at Santa Anita Park into a three-furlong test of late-quickening ability. Mrs. Astor passed that exam with high marks by out-gaming Mahina by a nose.
Though the race appeared to unfold to the benefit of front-runner Omaha Girl , who set easy splits of :24.65, :49.29 and 1:13.56, and pace-tracking favorite Hang the Moon , neither horse could capitalize on their early position. Both were overhauled in the stretch and faded to fourth and sixth, respectively.
Mrs. Astor followed Hang the Moon in fourth for much of the race before being angled out by Frankie Dettori in the…
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