Teddy's Promise Confirmed for A Gleam

Trainer Ron Ellis confirmed that Teddy’s Promise, a troubled third in the Desert Stormer Handicap June 15, will run in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 A Gleam Handicap at seven furlongs.

The A Gleam is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” race, with the winner receiving a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, which will be run Nov. 1 at Santa Anita.

Teddy’s Promise might have won the Desert Stormer with a clean trip.  The 5-year-old Salt Lake mare took up into the turn and again at the quarter pole, yet was beaten less than one length by stablemate Include Me Out.  The California bred is 5-for-10 on Cushion Track.  Regular rider Victor Espinoza will be aboard.

Grade I winner Include Me Out, who won the Desert Stormer in her first start of 2013, was expected to make her next appearance at Del Mar, but Ellis said the Include mare is doing so well she might join Teddy’s Promise in the A Gleam.  If she runs, Joe Talamo will ride.

Peter Miller said he will enter Reneesgotzip, but she’s “only 50-50” to run.  The City Zip filly was a close second in the Grade I La Brea Stakes in her most recent race last Dec. 26. Two races earlier, she was third, less than two lengths behind Mizdirection, in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

Other probable starters include Rumor, winner of the Grade III Las Flores Stakes in March for Richard Mandella and Winding Way (trainer Carla Gaines), winner of the Grade III Rancho Bernardo Handicap last Aug. 19 at Del Mar.