ISMENE GOES WIRE-TO-WIRE TO STEAL THE ANOAKIA STAKES FROM SISTER MOON

Arcadia, Calif. (October 22, 2011)—California bred Ismene steals the Anoakia Stakes with none other than Patrick Valenzuela aboard. Ismene is now two for two after an impressive victory at Del Mar on August 13 and today a gutsy effort at Santa Anita in today’s $65,000 stakes for two-year-old fillies.

It was vintage Patrick Valenzuela to go to the front even with trainer Bill Spawr’s directions to take a hold of her, “She broke so good you’ve got to call an audible when those things happen,” said jockey Patrick Valenzuela, “she sure did her thing today.”

Trainer Bill Spawr was not upset with the performance, “We’re just giving her time and letting her mature because I think she could be special.”

Sister Moon, who went off 1-5 ran a close second, which was mostly blamed on the poor start. “She broke a little bit slow,” said jockey Joel Rosario, “and the winner was really fresh… really quick out of the gate.”

Note: Top Boxers Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley were in attendance at Santa Anita Park today. Marquez will battle Manny Pacquiao on November 12. Timothy Bradley will step in the ring with Joel Casamayor on November 12 as well.