Last month’s G3 Red Carpet Stakes at Del Mar saw Public Assembly and Paradise Lake finish in second and third place, respectively, and these two will face off again this Wednesday at Santa Anita in the G3 Robert J. Frankel Stakes. This race, featuring fillies and mares, will cover 1.5 miles on the turf with a $100,000 purse.
Public Assembly, a 4-year-old filly trained by Phil D’Amato, narrowly missed victory at Del Mar, finishing just a neck behind winner Mrs. Astor over 1 3/8 miles. She previously won the G3 Royal Heroine over a mile and is aiming for her first win since April at Santa Anita. Owned by Abbondanza Racing, McNulty Thoroughbreds, and Medallion Racing, Public Assembly holds a record of 11 starts with 3 wins and has earned $306,166. Antonio Fres will be her jockey.
Paradise Lake, trained by Peter Urton of CRK Stables, came third at Del Mar, finishing one and three-quarters lengths behind Mrs. Astor. This was the stakes debut for the 4-year-old daughter of Uncle Mo, who had earlier won a 1 1/8-mile Class 2 turf race at Santa Anita. Paradise Lake has a record of 10 starts with 3 wins and 4 places, earning $168,800, and will be ridden by her usual jockey, Juan Hernandez.
As Catch Can is entered to run in both this Frankel Stakes and Sunday’s G1 American Oaks. If she runs in the Frankel, it will be her first time competing against older horses. Trained by owner Jonathan Thomas of Augustine Stables, As Catch Can recently won the 1 1/8-mile Old Dominion Oaks at Colonial Downs in September and has an overall record of 11 starts with 3 wins. She has earned $320,395 and will have Umberto Rispoli as her rider.
Sun of Hill placed fourth in the Red Carpet Stakes, two lengths behind the winner. This 5-year-old filly by Camelot Kitten, also trained by Phil D’Amato, is seeking her first U.S. win since being imported from Brazil earlier this year. Owned by R Unicorn Stables, Sun of Hill has participated in 19 races, winning 3, placing 4 times, and earning $93,851. Kazushi Kimura will be the jockey.
The race lineup and jockeys for the Robert J. Frankel Stakes are:
1. Public Assembly — Antonio Fres — 125 lbs
2. Sun of Hill — Kazushi Kimura — 125 lbs
3. Imma Joker — Emisael Jaramillo — 121 lbs
4. As Catch Can — Umberto Rispoli — 121 lbs
5. Watchtower — Mirco DeMuro — 125 lbs
6. Paradise Lake — Juan Hernandez — 121 lbs
7. Weak — Joel Rosario — 125 lbs
The first post time is Wednesday at 12 pm PT, with the entry gates opening at 10 am.
Fan Take: This upcoming matchup at the Robert J. Frankel Stakes is a thrilling showdown for horse racing enthusiasts, highlighting promising talent among fillies and mares on the turf. These close contests and emerging stars bring excitement and renewed interest to the sport, signaling a vibrant future for turf racing.
