Making her stakes debut, Little Opal quickly took the lead under jockey Emisael Jaramillo and maintained her position throughout, improving her record to a perfect 3-for-3 in the $100,000 John C. Harris (G3) for 3-year-old fillies. The race covered about 6½ furlongs on Santa Anita’s hillside turf course on Saturday.
Favored at 6-5 odds, Little Opal fended off a late surge from the 7-1 outsider Day to Day, winning by 1¼ lengths, with Mo’ Em Down finishing third, another 1¼ lengths behind.
“We had no issues. She’s a very classy filly,” said Jaramillo. “Starting from the outside helped us get a clean break, and the race played out nicely from there.”
Trained by Doug O’Neill for owner-breeder Donald R. Disney, the Kentucky-bred daughter of Caravaggio finished in 1:12.76, clocking fractions of :22.0, :44.34, and 1:06.77.
O’Neill expressed gratitude, stating, “Big thanks to Mr. Dizney and Garrett Smith from Double Diamond Farm in Ocala. They sent her with high praise, which proved accurate. Although this stakes race came a bit soon after her last win, Emisael felt she had the right energy. The outside post position was ideal, with not much early speed—everything came together for a great ride on a great filly.”
Little Opal’s prior two victories were over five furlongs on turf against fellow 3-year-old fillies during the Del Mar summer meet—winning a maiden race on July 24 and then a first-level allowance on September 4.
Out of the Elusive Quality mare Ilmulino, Little Opal paid $4.40 to win.
This story was originally published by Paulick Report on September 27, 2026, in the News section.
Fan Take: Little Opal’s flawless transition into stakes company underscores the depth of emerging talent in turf sprint racing, a segment that often produces thrilling finishes. Her continued success not only excites fans but also highlights the importance of developing versatile fillies capable of competing at high levels, which can enhance the sport’s competitive landscape.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
