NEWS

Racing News

Industry News

Most Popular Stories

Most E-mailed Stories

Arienza, daughter of Azeri, makes it two for two

Posted: Sunday, March 27, 2011 8:36 PM

Arienza, whose dam is 2002 Horse of the Year and multiple champion older female Azeri, is perfect in two career starts after controlling the pace and coasting to a 2 1/2-length win as the 1-to-2 favorite under Gabriel Saez in the tenth race on Sunday at Oaklawn Park.

The chestnut filly was scratched from the six-furlong Prima Donna Stakes at the Hot Springs, Arkansas, track on Saturday in favor of Sunday’s one-mile race around two turns.

Trainer Danny Peitz said Sunday’s race fit better for long-term plans for Arienza, which could include the $300,000 Fantasy Stakes (G2) on April 10.

“Sunday’s race just suits our long-term goals better,” Peitz said on Saturday morning. “We want to see what she can do around two-turns. It may be a little ambitious trying to come back in two weeks for the Fantasy, but we certainly don’t want to rule that out. We think she’s that kind of filly.”

Arienza won her debut three weeks ago, taking a six-furlong maiden special weight race by 2½ lengths at Oaklawn Park, where Azeri won the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) three consecutive years (2002, 2003, and 2004).

Owners Robert and Lawana Low purchased Arienza, who is the second winner from as many starters out of Azeri, for $800,000 from the Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent, consignment at the 2009 Keeneland September yearling sale.