Wait a While punches Breeders’ Cup ticket

The Santa Anita turf course is playing a pivotal role in Wait a While’s career. Saturday, she remained unbeaten in three starts on the course by winning the $400,000 Yellow Ribbon Stakes for the second time. She won the race in 2006.

Saturday’s race was a prep to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf here on Oct. 24. Wait a While earned an automatic berth to the Filly and Mare Turf, subject to the payment of entry fees.

“Hopefully, she’ll go 4-for-4,” said Michael McCarthy, assistant trainer to Todd Pletcher. “Here and Saratoga, she loves.”

It will be easy to support Wait a While in the Filly and Mare Turf after her win on Saturday. Ridden by John Velazquez, Wait a While ($4) ran 1 1/4 miles on turf in 1:59.16, finishing three-quarters of a length in front of Vacare. Black Mamba, who raced in traffic on the final turn, rallied to finish third in the field of 10 fillies and mares.

McCarthy credited Velazquez for guiding Wait a While into third-place for the first six furlongs, stalking pacesetter Live Life.

“A lot of credit goes to Johnny,” McCarthy said. “He got her to settle on the first turn.”

Owned by Arindel Farm, Wait a While has won 12 of 23 starts and $2,181,917. She has won three stakes this year, including the Grade 2 San Gorgonio Handicap here in January.