Unbeaten Iscreamuscream Takes on Older Rivals in Rodeo Drive Stakes

Iscreamuscream, undefeated in four starts, faces her toughest test yet in the Oct. 5 Rodeo Drive Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park, where she'll take on older, more experienced rivals. Trained by Phil D'Amato, the 3-year-old filly has been impressive on turf, claiming victories in the San Clemente Handicap (G2) and Del Mar Oaks (G1) this summer. She'll now attempt to stretch out to 1 1/4 miles, with jockey Hector Berrios returning to the saddle.

D'Amato has also entered stablemates Hang the Moon and Lucky Girl. Hang the Moon, fresh off a win in the John C. Mabee Stakes (G2T), has thrived since moving to California, with two wins and a second-place finish from three starts. Lucky Girl, a veteran with 20 starts, has several stakes victories, including the 2023 Swingtime Stakes. Kazushi Kimura will ride Hang the Moon, while Tyler Baze will take the reins on Lucky Girl.

Among the challengers is Sunset Glory, a 4-year-old trained by Michael McCarthy, who rides a three-race winning streak into the Rodeo Drive. Shippers Beach Bomb, a former Group 1 winner in South Africa, and Aspen Grove, the 2023 Belmont Oaks Invitational (G1T) winner, also pose threats.

With a victory, Iscreamuscream would secure a spot in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T), as the Rodeo Drive is a "Win and You're In" race.