Limited pace in the Dec. 27 Robert J. Frankel Stakes (G3T) essentially turned the $100,000, 1 1/8-mile turf race at Santa Anita Park into a three-furlong test of late-quickening ability. Mrs. Astor passed that exam with high marks by out-gaming Mahina by a nose.
Though the race appeared to unfold to the benefit of front-runner Omaha Girl, who set easy splits of :24.65, :49.29 and 1:13.56, and pace-tracking favorite Hang the Moon, neither horse could capitalize on their early position. Both were overhauled in the stretch and faded to fourth and sixth, respectively.
Mrs. Astor followed Hang the Moon in fourth for much of the race before being angled out by Frankie Dettori in the stretch. She proved narrowly best over inside-rallying Mahina.
The winner was timed in 1:48.57 for the distance. Mrs. Astor ($13) ran her final three-eighths in :34.80, according to Equibase Global Positioning System data, including a final furlong in :11.47.
"I knew my filly would stay well, so I slingshotted her off the bend, and she did the rest," Dettori said.
Yerwanthere passed Omaha Girl late to show.
Augustin Stables' homebred Mrs. Astor notched her second consecutive graded stakes victory in Friday's race after scoring in the Red Carpet Stakes (G3T) at Del Mar Nov. 24 for trainer Jonathan Thomas.
Out of the Creative Cause mare Causal, Kentucky-bred Mrs. Astor is a 4-year-old daughter of 2010 Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Lookin At Lucky.
