Ouraika (FR) clearly enjoyed her trip out to warm and sunny Santa Anita where she ran a tremendous race to win the featured Sweet Life Stakes-G3 today. Going 6 1/2 furlongs from the downhill chute on the turf course, Juan Hernandez gave her a savvy ride, finding a hole between rivals to grab the lead in deep stretch. She held off a strong bid from Urban to win by a head.

The 3-year-old daughter of Zelzal (FR) – Sleek Gold (GB), by Dansili (GB), was making just her third start in the United States.  In her last race on December 3 at Aqueduct, she finished second against colts, beaten just a half-length. She is owned by Madaket Stables and Michael Dubb. Congratulations to all on this graded stakes victory!

From BloodHorse:

Ouraika (FR) Notches First U.S. Victory

Ouraika (FR) wins the Sweet Life Stakes