Rhagori Looking to Break Through in Goldikova

Trainer Simon Callaghan expects Rhagori to continue her good form at one mile on Santa Anita’s grass course when she runs in Sunday’s closing day feature, the Grade II, $200,000 Goldikova Stakes for fillies and mares, 3 and up, at one mile on turf.

 

“I think the distance is perfect for her,” Callaghan said. “She’s training really well. She’s more prepared for this race than she was last time (when she won the restricted Swingtime at one mile on turf Oct. 4). She’s doing great.”

 

A 5-year-old English-bred mare owned by Michael House, Rhagori has two wins and a second at one mile on Santa Anita’s grass course. In 21 career starts, the daughter of Exceed And Excel has a 6-6-2 record but seeks her first graded win in the Goldikova, named for the three-time winner of the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

 

The field for the Goldikova: Filimbi, Joel Rosario, 2-1; Wall of Sound, Richard Kingscote, 5-1; Rhagori, Joe Talamo, 12-1; Strathnaver, Rafael Bejarano, 7-2; Emotional Kitten, Lanfranco Dettori, 8-1; I’m Already Sexy, Florent Geroux, 6-1; Legacy, Victor Espinoza, 20-1; Pontchatrain, Mike Smith, 4-1; and Queen of The Sand, Corey Nakatani, 12-1.

 

Source: Santa Anita Communications