Gamely Stakes Coming Up Strong
The “Big 5” of the local filly and mare turf division are all pointing to the $250,000 Gamely Stakes, the first Grade I race of the Spring/Summer meet.
Nominations close today (May 16) for the 1 1-8 mile turf test, which highlights a special Memorial Day card, Monday, May 27th.
Lady of Shamrock, trained by John Sadler, won a pair of Grade I’s in 2012, including the American Oaks at Betfair Hollywood Park. Sadler indicated the filly is doing exceptionally well and on target for the Gamely.
Marketing Mix captured the Grade I Rodeo Drive at Santa Anita last year and has been runner-up in three other Grade I events. The Tom Proctor trainee has earnings in excess of $1.6 million.
Tiz Flirtatious, winner of the Grade II Santa Ana and second to Better Lucky in last year’s Grade I Matriarch, “worked awesome” last week, according to trainer Marty Jones.
Quiet Oasis and Halo Dolly, who won the Grade III Wilshire in 2012 and 2013, respectively, are also on course for the race. Quiet Oasis was second to Belle Royale in last year’s Gamely while the California-bred Halo Dolly will be seeking her 16th lifetime victory.
Sadler summed up the race well. “This could easily be the race of the meet,’’ he said.