ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2018)–In her first try on turf, speedy War Heroine proved extra game late in taking Sunday’s $75,000 the Sweet Life Stakes by a half length under Tyler Baze.  Trained by Peter Miller and owned by Gary Barber, War Heroine got 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12.86.

Ridden for the first time by Baze, War Heroine broke sharply from her number four post position, tracked Miss Puddles to the half mile pole, raced head and head with her to her outside, gained the advantage at the dirt crossing when immediately engaged by Ms Bad Behavior and proved extra game at the rail the length of the stretch.

“I told Tyler if the speed goes, don’t get involved if you don’t have to,” said an exuberant Miller, who notched his third win of the day.  “She can rate…She’s fast, but not speed crazy.  She had every right to quit and she kept on running.  We’re so proud of her.”

Most recently a well beaten sixth in the Grade II, seven furlong Santa Ynez Stakes Jan. 7, War Heroine was off at 9-2 in a field of 12 sophomore fillies and paid $11.20, $5.20 and $3.20.

A Kentucky-bred daughter of the Australian-bred stallion Lonhro, War Heroine is out of the War Chant mare War Tigress.  A 6 ¾ length first-out maiden winner on Nov. 12, she’s now got two wins from three starts and with the winner’s share of $48,600, she increased her earnings to $80,145.

“It was just like Pete said, she’s fast, but she’s not speed crazy,” said Baze.  “Once she made the lead, she wasn’t gonna let anybody go by her.”

Ms Bad Behavior, who came off a gutty neck win in a hillside turf allowance Jan. 19, was a perfectly positioned third turning for home under Tiago Pereira, but was second best on the day, prevailing by a half length over an on-rushing Out of The Flames.

The 2-1 post time favorite, Ms Bad Behavior paid $3.60 and $2.40.

Ridden by Flavien Prat, Out of The Flames was reserved off the early pace and made a big run the final furlong to finish five lengths clear of Finess Bere.

The narrow second choice at 2-1, Out of The Flames paid $2.60 to show.

Fractions on the race were 21.66, 44.12 and 1:06.83.

Note:  With three wins on the day, Miller has a 17-14 advantage over Bob Baffert and Richard Baltas through 28 racing days.

Racing resumes with a five-day week on Thursday, with first post time at 1 p.m.  Santa Anita will be open for simulcast wagering on Wednesday.  Admission gates open at 10 a.m. with free parking and admission.