Mrs. Norris steps up for American Oaks

Mrs. Norris steps up in class and distance to contest the G1 American Oaks over 10 furlongs on turf at Santa Anita, USA, on Saturday, December 31.

The three-year-old Bernadini filly, who is trained by Eoin Harty, was last seen out when runner-up over a furlong shorter in an allowance optional claimer on turf at Del Mar on December 4. 

Her best effort earlier in the campaign came when second over the same course and distance in the valuable Sandy Blue Handicap in July, while in 2015 Mrs Norris landed a mile dirt maiden at Los Alamitos.

Victor Espinoza, who has partnered Mrs. Norris on her last three starts, is in the saddle one again. She races from stall nine.

Eoin Harty said: “The step up in trip should help Mrs. Norris. 

“The turf course at Santa Anita is playing a lot fairer now than when it was put in six months ago, when everything was winning on the lead.

“We have been back racing for a couple of days now and it looks like you can win from anywhere. 

“The mile and a quarter should suit her although it does look a very tough race.”

A field of 15 goes to post in the American Oaks with the opposition including G2 winner Mokat, G1-placed performers Stays In Vegas and Decked Out, plus Irish G3 scorer Queen Blossom.