Ashleyluvssugar, Itsinthepost rematched

ARCADIA, Calif. – Two tough veterans battle again Sunday in the Grade 2 Charles Whittingham Stakes, a $200,000 turf race at Santa Anita in which Ashleyluvssugar has a score to settle with the streaking Itsinthepost.

Itsinthepost, who needed two dozen starts and three campaigns before becoming an overnight success, is likely to start favored over California-bred millionaire Ashleyluvssugar in the 1 1/4-mile Whittingham. The last time they met, it was not close.

Itsinthepost scored the first stakes win of his career in March in the Grade 2 San Luis Rey Stakes, while Ashleyluvssugar finished a tired third as the 6-5 favorite. Trainer Peter Eurton has reason to believe Ashleyluvssugar can turn the tables in his first start since.

“He wasn’t as good going into that last race,” Eurton said, speculating that Ashleyluvssugar was still feeling the effects of a hard-fought win two months earlier. “He ran such a huge race against What a View, and even two months later, he still hadn’t gotten good again.”

The question for the Whittingham was asked and answered by Eurton: “Is he as good Sunday? He seems like he is.”

Since winning his debut as a 2-year-old via disqualification, Ashleyluvssugar has developed into one of the most durable and consistent long-distance turf horses in California. He has won four Grade 2 races, including the 2015 Whittingham, and earned more than $1.1 million.

Itsinthepost, meanwhile, stalled at the first allowance condition until moving to trainer Jeff Mullins last spring. He immediately improved. Itsinthepost won the first two allowance conditions, placed in two graded stakes this winter, and scored back-to-back Grade 2 wins under Tyler Baze this spring at Santa Anita and Keeneland. It was not by chance.

“Early on, when he turned for home, he would throw his head around,” Mullins said. “Tyler started keeping his hands still, and that’s helped him a lot.”

Itsinthepost seeks his third straight stakes win on Sunday over a field that includes Liam the Charmer, Prince of Arabia, Syntax, Up With the Birds, Frank Conversation, Patentar, A Red Tie Day, and Texas Ryano.

KEY CONTENDERS

Itsinthepost, by American Post Last 3 Beyers: 100-98-97

◗ Both recent wins were at 1 1/2 miles, and he shortens up in distance Sunday.

“I don’t think a mile and a quarter is an issue,” Mullins said. “I just think he’s a little better at a mile and a half.” Ashleyluvssugar, by Game Plan Last 3 Beyers: 94-100-100

◗ Gary Stevens, his regular rider, has been aboard for all four of his graded wins.

◗ Ashleyluvssugar prefers to chase a target; he faded last out after setting the pace.

A Red Tie Day, by Indygo Shiner Last 3 Beyers: 93-77-102

◗ This is his first start since February. “He’s been galloping and working good and finishing good in his works,” trainer Richard Baltas said.

◗ A longshot, he has an upset chance with an up-front trip in a race likely to unfold at a soft pace.

Texas Ryano, by Curlin Last 3 Beyers: 95-91-92

◗ A Grade 2 winner on turf, he returns to his preferred footing after finishing fourth on dirt last out in the Grade 2 Californian.