Kentucky-bred Going to Vegas successfully defended her title in the $300,000 Rodeo Drive S. (G1) at Santa Anita on Oct. 8, stamping her ticket to the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Keeneland. Under Umberto Rispoli, Going to Vegas cruised gate to wire to win the 1 ¼-mile turf event for the second straight year.

A 5-year-old mare by Goldencents, Going to Vegas made the early lead with ease and controlled the pace throughout, setting splits of :23.82, :48.60, 1:14.42, and 1:36.61. She quickened approaching the far turn and shook free in the lane to score by 1 ¼ lengths in the end, stopping the timer in 1:59.41.

“We were expecting to go to the lead,” said Rispoli. “We had the same plan, and everything worked well. She felt good, was really relaxed, and she did everything. She always responds. I think she really loves this track. It’s on to Keeneland.”

Owned by Addondanza Racing, Medallion Racing, and MyRacehorse, Going to Vegas owns two Grade 1 wins and six wins from 15 tries over the Santa Anita turf course. The $180,000 winner’s share of the purse increased her bankroll to $989,151.

Produced from the Johannesburg mare Hard to Resist, Going to Vegas was bred in Kentucky by J. Kirk and Judy Robison and she is trained by Phil D’Amato.

“This was our plan all along to focus on this race to bring us to the Breeders’ Cup, and we got the job done,” noted D’Amato.