Magnificience makes it look easy in Santa Paula

Magnificience lived up to her name in the Santa Paula (Benoit Photo)

Hill n' Dale Farm, Lenner, trainer Bruce Headley et al's MAGNIFICIENCE (Stormy

Atlantic) overtook pacesetter Coco Belle (Storm Boot) in early stretch and

strolled home an impressive five-length winner of the $100,597

Santa Paula

S. (G3) at Santa Anita on Sunday. After acting up in the early stages in her

debut, the flashy chestnut was much more professional from the outset in this

one, tracking the leader through wicked splits of :21 3/5 and :44 for the

opening half-mile before asserting herself in the lane, striding clear in a

scintillating 1:14 3/5 for the 6 1/2 furlongs to smash a 13-year-old stakes

record. Ridden by Alex Solis, the smooth-striding filly didn't disappoint her

backers who made her 3-5, staying perfect from two career starts. The Kentucky-bred paid $3.40 and $2.40, while show wagering was suspended.

"Her biggest strength is the straightaway," Solis noted, "where she can

stretch out. She's got an incredible stride. She's an incredible filly."

Swiss Diva (Swiss Yodeler) was alert early, made a threatening move turning

for home and did well to secure the runner-up spot as the 7-1 third choice. The

miss paid $3.60 and completed the $6.40 exacta ($1). Coco Belle ran

big on the front and seemed to find another gear at the head of the stretch, but

the winner was too good on this day. The lass settled for the show at 6-5. Adoradora (Mr. Greeley) was never a factor, while Jump On In (Jump Start) was

withdrawn.