Grade 1 $300,000 La Brea First of Three stakes at Santa Anita

Several fillies in the field of ten possess exceptional early speed, led by 2/1 favorite Taris who could be the quickest of the group.  Taris has won four of five career starts including a sizzling gate to wire victory last out in the Grade 2 Raven Run Stakes October 18 at Keeneland.  Taris earned a stellar Beyer Speed Figure of 110 in that performance – a figure only Stonetastic (4/1) has come close to matching.  Taris, who will make her first start for trainer Simon Callaghan after making her first five starts for Todd Beattie, is sure face more pace pressure in the La Brea than she did in the Raven Run with at least four confirmed front runners signed on to her outside. 

Stonetastic's tactics could impact race

Stonetastic has done her best running on the lead, but will likely use her outside draw to stalk Taris and hope one of the other speed horses hooks up early with the favorite.  The Kelly Breen trainee ran fourth last out in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, and must prove her ability to handle the seven furlong trip.

Jojo should be rolling late 

Jojo Warrior (4/1) is training extremely well over the local strip for trainer Bob Baffert.  The daughter of Pioneerofthenile was last seen running third in the Grade 1 Cotillion to eventual Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Untapable September 20 at Parx.  She should be able to close ground from her outside post under jockey Martin Garcia.