ALEXANDER’S HOMEBRED ROSE MADDOX SURGES LATE TO WIN $69,000 SANTA ANITA ALLOWANCE FEATURE BY A NECK AS SHE GETS MILE ON TURF IN 1:35.26

                ARCADIA, Calif. (April 15, 2022)–Patiently handled by Kyle Frey, Nick Alexander’s homebred Rose Maddox found room late at the rail and was up to win Friday’s $69,000 allowance feature by a neck.  Trained by Steve Miyadi, the 3-year-old grey filly by Grazen got a flat mile on turf in 1:35.26.

                Next to last, about 3 ½ lengths off pacesetting Funny Feline heading to the far turn, Frey allowed his mount to idle midway around the far turn, dove to the rail a sixteenth of a mile out and outran a well-meant Madiha late in a thriller.

                “Initially, when I went to dive in there, she was a bit hesitant,” said Frey, who rode her to victory at the same allowance condition sprinting on dirt April 1.  “I think this was her first time making that type of move.  Last time, I was able to angle outside and it was a little bit simpler.  Today, she kind of eyeballed that rail for about two strides and once I put her back in there, she put her head down and it was just smooth sailing from there.”

                The post time favorite among a field of six California-bred or sired 3-year old fillies at 2-1, Rose Maddox paid $6.20, $3.40 and $2.40.

                The win offered a graphic illustration of the many benefits enjoyed by those who own and breed in California, as Rose Maddox was eligible for the same first condition allowance due to the fact she was switching surfaces today.

                Out of Alexander’s Unusual Heat mare Heat the Rocks, Rose Maddox picked up $41,400 for the win, increasing her earnings to $141,200.

                Madiha, who slipped through at rail turning for home, just missed in a big effort under Tyler Baze, who was seeking his third win of the day.  Off at 4-1, Madiha paid $3.60 and $2.60 while finishing a half length better than Emerald Lake.

                Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Emerald Lake rallied wide through the lane to finish third, 4 ½ lengths in front of Funny Feline.  Off at 5-1, Emerald Lake paid $3.60 to show.

                Fractions on the race were 22.52, 45.96, 1:10.45 and 1:22.91.

                Frey would go on to register a riding double, as he won the last race aboard the Alfredo Marquez-trained Slam Dunk Sermon, who paid $19.00 to win.

                Racing resumes with post time for a 10-race card on Saturday at 1 p.m.  Admission gates open at 11 a.m.