Zindaya added herself to More Than Ready’s illustrious list of Graded Stakes Winners on Nov. 6 with a half-length score in the $200,000 Goldikova S. (G2) at Santa Anita Park.
The 5-year-old mare is the 74th graded winner for More Than Ready, whose progeny have racked up more than 20 stakes wins and $6.6 million in progeny earnings in 2016.
With Hillhouse High spurting out to the lead, Zindaya tucked in behind her on the rail under a stout hold from Javier Castellano. With her rider content to hold his spot, Zindaya was still in third after six furlongs on 1:11.85 with no clear path to the lead. Castellano finally came off the rail with a furlong to run when an opening appeared, and Zindaya forged to the lead, holding off both Tiz a Kiss and Hillhouse High, who were a nose apart for second.
“I had a perfect trip,” said Castellano. “I was on the rail and looking for the seam. I tried to save all the ground I could. I kept track of the pace-setter and tried to follow Hillhouse High and find the best scenario to go for. We thought (Hillhouse High) was going to go and she did. It worked out great. When we swung out at the top of the lane, she gave me a powerful kick.”
Zindaya, trained by Chad Brown for Bob Edwards’ E Five Racing Thoroughbreds, is 6-4-3 in 15 starts and has earned $561,240, with three listed victories prior to winning the Goldikova.
