Postponement Leads To Expanded Field For This Sunday’s Grade III Las Flores

By Victor Ryan —-

POSTPONEMENT LEADS TO EXPANDED FIELD FOR THIS SUNDAY’S GRADE III LAS FLORES; MAGNIFICAT, THERMAL STILL LOOM IN 6-FURLONG SPRINT FOR FILLIES AND MARES

ARCADIA, CA (Jan. 6, 2026)—A seven-day postponement of the Grade III Las Flores Stakes due to rain has resulted in an expanded field of seven fillies and mares that will go postward this Sunday at Santa Anita. Still looming in the field are Magnificat, Thermal and Margarita Girl, with the notable newcomer being Mawu for trainer Bob Baffert.

Magnificat, trained by Richard Mandella, was a supplemental entry after being scratched from the Grade I La Brea for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs on opening day, Dec. 28. A 4-year-old Omaha Beach filly, Magnificat will be making her stakes debut for owner-breeder Spendthrift Farm. She earned her diploma when making her second start in October at Santa Anita, then returned four weeks later to clear her first-level allowance condition at Del Mar. Both wins were by a neck. Jockey Mirco Demuro again has the call on Magnificat.

Thermal steps up to the stakes ranks for trainer and co-owner John Sadler after an eye-catching allowance win going six furlongs when returned to dirt following a string of starts on turf and synthetic. On Oct. 17 at Santa Anita, Thermal went to the lead from the rail under Hector Berrios, posted a sharp opening half mile in 44.46 seconds and then drew off in the stretch to win by 3 ¾ lengths. The final time was a swift 1:08.99.

Bred in Ontario, Thermal is a 5-year-old daughter of Nyquist who co-owner By Talla Racing purchased for $625,000 as a yearling. She had made eight starts on turf of synthetic before romping in her return to dirt last out. Berrios will be back aboard

After four runner-up finishes in five starts, Margarita Girl broke her maiden last out in August at Del Mar when scoring in a six-furlong maiden event. A 4-year-old Twirling Candy filly, Margarita Girl was a $575,000 auction buy as a 2-year-old. She is campaigned by Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners and trained by Mark Glatt. Jockey Ricky Gonzalez will ride Margarita Girl for the first time in place of injured Antonio Fresu.

Mawu returns after 12 months on the sidelines for Baffert and owner Baoma Corp. When last seen in January 2025, Mawu was a 17-1 longshot in the Santa Ynez Stakes and was eased. The 4-year-old filly by Blame, who was a $500,000 auction buy as a yearling, in 2024 finished fourth in the GII Starlet and third in the Desi Arnaz at Del Mar prior to the Santa Ynez effort. Jockey Kazushi Kimura has the call on Mawu.

Joining the Las Flores on Sunday’s card is the GIII Las Cienegas Stakes for fillies and mares on the hillside turf course.

THE GRADE III LAS FLORES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS

Ooty—Juan Hernandez—124
Thermal—Hector Berrios—120
Margarita Girl—Ricky Gonzalez—120
Mawu—Kazushi Kimura—120
Magnificat—Mirco Demuro—120
No Bad Beats—Emisael Jaramillo—120
Don’ttellourwives—Diego Herrera—120

First post Sunday is 12 p.m. Admission gates will open at 10 a.m.

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