Shoemaker Rides Seldom Seen Sue to Six-Length Win

Seldom Seen Sue, a late-developing filly, scored a six-length victory under Bill Shoemaker Saturday in the $106,850 El Encino Stakes for 4-year-olds at Santa Anita.

After forcing the pace of Top Corsage until the stretch, Seldom Seen Sue quickly moved to the front and pulled away from her five rivals.

In scoring her first career stakes victory, the filly raced the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43 and paid $8.20, $4.60 and $3.80.

Miraculous, after racing in third position most of the way, finished second with Laffit Pincay aboard and returned $6.40 and $4.60. Top Corsage paid $6.80 to show. Heavily favored Family Style was fourth.

For Shoemaker, the victory was No. 8,628 overall and No. 963 in a stakes races.

The race is the second leg of the La Canada Series, which will conclude with the $150,000 La Canada Stakes Feb. 15. Family Style won the first leg, the La Brea Stakes, earlier this month.

The victory brought a purse of $61,850 to the partnership of Christopher Drakos of Blackfoot, Ida., and Issac F. Fredrick and John D. Howard of Lexington, Ky.

Today, turf millionaires Zoffany, Strawberry Road and Silveyville head a field of nine in the $100,000 San Marcos Handicap at 1 miles on the grass. Defending champion Silveville is scheduled to be retired after the race.