La Cloche Tries to Make Sister Proud

Trainer Jimmy Toner, who won last weekend’s Grade 1 Diana with fan favorite Winter Memories, joked when asked about that filly’s 5-year-old half-sister La Cloche:  “It’s nice that someone comes by to talk about somebody other than Winter Memories.”

“La Cloche has come back very good for us this year,” he added. “She ran great the first time this year [an allowance/optional claiming race in May at Belmont, in which she finished second], and she won last time out [in the Voodoo Dancer Stakes on July 8 at Belmont]. She’s improved quite a bit from last year, and she’s shown that so far in her races. I’m really very happy with her.”

Before her May race, La Cloche had been off since last August.

“She comes up with splints or something or another and you’re forced to give her some time,” said Toner. “She’s not fragile, it’s nothing major; every time I get her ready, there’s another little blip along the road.”

While happy with his mare’s progress, Toner respects the competition in Saturday's De La Rose.

“This looks like a graded stakes race,” he said, “and we’re giving weight. She won, so you have to expect it, but still, giving five pounds to all those fillies might be too much.

“But,” he added, “she’s right on.”