Kathleen Rose Stretching Out in Frankel
Kathleen Rose, a steady California-bred daughter of Good Journey trained by Mike Machowsky, tackles her longest distance yet when she runs in Saturday’s Grade III Robert J. Frankel Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf.
Winner of five starts with five seconds and two thirds from 14 starts, Kathleen Rose has never raced beyond one mile.
“She’s a pretty honest filly,” Machowsky said. “She kind of does anything, turf, synthetic, and she’s very consistent. She’s never run this distance but she likes this turf course, so I don’t think it will be a problem. She acts like she can run that far.”
Asked about Frankel, the Hall of Fame trained for whom the race is named, Machowsky said: “On a personal note, his baseball card collection was pretty amazing. But for what he accomplished as a trainer, there certainly should be a race named for him.”
Frankel died from lymphoma in 2009 at the age of 68.
The Frankel field: Three Hearts, Tyler Baze, 8-1; Lady Pimpernel, Victor Espinoza, 5-1; Diversy Harbor, Gary Stevens, 9-2; Lady of Gold, Kent Desormeaux, 8-1; Scooter Bird, Corey Nakatani, 12-1; Blingismything, Joe Talamo, 12-1; Kathleen Rose, Maldonado, 6-1; Winning Rhythm, Mike Smith, 6-1; Rusty Slipper, Aaron Gryder, 7-2; and Aguafria, Kieren Fallon, 12-1. Bee Brave and Floral Romance were scratched.
It will mark the 4-year-old gelding’s first race since Oct. 16, when he beat four rivals on Santa Anita’s unique downhill course by 5 ¼ lengths.
“He had a nice breeze the other morning, did it very easy. We got a great draw and he’s got tactical speed to be where we want,” trainer Peter Eurton said.
Betty’s Bambino drew post nine in a field of 11 and will be ridden by Martin Garcia for the fourth straight race.
Source: Ed Golden, Santa Anita Stable Notes