Ice Dancing scores high marks in G3 Santa Ynez Stakes victory

Three-year-old Frosted filly overpowers foes to earn first Graded Stakes win

Ice Dancing took command in the stretch and drew off late on her way to posting a convincing three-and-a-quarter length victory over Satin Doll in the G3 Santa Ynez Stakes at Santa Anita on Sunday, 8 January.

Even though the Santa Ynez marked the first Graded Stakes victory for the three-year-old Frosted filly, she’s been no stranger to top-notch Graded Stakes races, having finished a competitive third in the G1 Del Mar Debutante and fourth in the G2 Chandelier Stakes – while still a maiden. Ice Dancing broke through for her maiden win in her last start, a maiden special weight contest on 22 November.

Ridden confidently by jockey Flavien Prat, Ice Dancing was settled just off the pace set by Fast and Shiny (Bernardini) through the early stages of the seven-furlong contest. The striking grey/roan filly began to make her move on the far turn, edging ever closer to the leader while racing three-wide.

Ice Dancing made her bid at the top of the lane, moving up to challenge Fast and Shiny for the lead. At the same time, Satin Doll was closing in along the inside rail. Both Ice Dancing and Fast and Shiny battled for several strides in the stretch until Ice Dancing took command at the eighth pole and pulled away for the victory. Satin Doll got up at the wire to pip Fast and Shiny for the place spot.

Ice Dancing was bred in Kentucky by Bass Stables and races for Perry and Ramona Bass. She is out of Welcome Dance, and Multiple Stakes-winning daughter of Henny Hughes. Welcome Dance is a half-sister to Stakes winner Dancing to Town (Speightstown), and a half-sister to Graded Stakes-placed runners Fredericksburg (Speightstown) and Line Dancing (Speightstown).

In addition to Ice Dancing, Frosted is also the sire of the promising three-year-old colt Arctic Arrogance, winner of the Sleepy Hollow Stakes and a close second in Listed Jerome Stakes on 7 January. Frosted has also sired the juvenile Stakes winners Frosted Departure (Renaissance Stakes) and Post Time (Maryland Juvenile Stakes). 

Frosted will stand the 2023 breeding season at Jonabell Farm in Kentucky for $10,000, stands and nurses.