Beholder Drills for 2016 Debut in Adoration Stakes
Three-time Eclipse Award winner Beholder blew out three furlongs Wednesday morning in 37.60 as she prepares for her 2016 debut at age six in Sunday’s Grade III, $100,000 Adoration Stakes for fillies and mares, three and up, at 1 1/16 miles.
“It was just to stretch her legs,” trainer Richard Mandella said by phone from Kentucky Wednesday morning. “She’s had her serious works. We’re excited to have her back.”
Beholder worked a mile in company Friday under Janeen Painter in 1:40 flat, with fractions of 26, 38.60, 51, 1:28.40. Stablemate Atypique got a seven furlong time of 1:29.40.
Painter was also up for Wednesday’s blowout.
Among those expected to face Beholder in the Adoration is Sheer Pleasure, a California-bred daughter of Birdonthewire who won the restricted Dream of Summer Stakes last out on March 27 for Little Red Feather Racing or RM Racing.
“We’ve gotten her ready little by little,” said Rudy Cruz, assistant to Phil D’Amato, who, like Mandella, was in Kentucky Wednesday. “She’s better than she’s ever been, so we have to give Beholder a try. It’s the first time back for Beholder (since last Sept. 26), so if we’re ever going to get her, this is the time.”
Source: Santa Anita Park