Just how ‘good looking’ is La Renoleta?

As La Renoleta was leaving seven other fillies in her wake down the stretch in the sixth race at Oaklawn Park yesterday, announcer Vic Stauffer called her “a good-looking filly,” which may turn out to be the understatement of the week, or longer.

The 5-year-old Argentine-bred daughter of Treasure Beach came up from her home base in South America sporting a record of 4-for-4, with one Gr. I victory, and earnings of $44,126. Unraced at two and three, she won her four races between March and June of last year at Hipodromo Argentino De Palermo. Her last victory came on June 29 in the Gr. I Estrellas Distaff.

After a layoff of more than seven months, La Renoleta turned up in an $88,000 allowance optional claimer in Hot Springs yesterday, in the barn of top trainer Steve Asmussen.

With Ricardo Santana Jr. getting a rocking-chair ride, La Renoleta left no doubt she may be more than just “a good-looking filly,” winning the 1 1/16ths-mile race by nearly 10 lengths after cruising into the lead at the top of the stretch. Based on her spotless record in Palermo, and a subsequent series of excellent works at Fair Grounds, she went off as the 6/5 favorite and paid $4.40. The winner’s check of $52,800 boosted her total to $96,926.

What’s next for this ‘good-looking filly?’ The Gr. II Azeri for fillies and mares is coming up at Oaklawn on March 14, and the Gr. I Apple Blossom is set for April 18. Stay tuned.