Stakes double at Santa Anita for Sutherland

Toronto, ON – Woodbine rider Chantal Sutherland tallied her second graded stakes score in as many days in Sunday’s Grade 2 El Encino at Santa Anita Park in California.

Sutherland and her mount Pretty Unusual prevailed by 1 1/4 lengths over 2008 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion Stardom Bound. Unhurried early in the 1 1/16-mile contest, Sutherland guided Pretty Unusual around a steadying rival on the turn. The California-bred split rivals in upper stretch and drove to the lead inside the final furlong for her third career victory in 10 starts.

“Let the good times roll,” said Sutherland regarding the stakes double. “(Pretty Unusual) ran amazing – such acceleration. I was pleasantly surprised. I got through that hole and all I could see was Stardom Bound.”

The four-year-old daughter of Unusual Heat returned $61.40.

A native of Winnipeg, Sutherland captured Saturday’s Grade 2 Santa Ynez for trainer Richard Dutrow, Jr. with three-year-old filly Amen Hallelujah. The 33-year-old rider tallied her only graded stakes score of 2009 in the Eclipse Stakes at Woodbine aboard Ice Bear.

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