Trainer Julio Canani, who has won the Royal Heroine Mile a
record three times, has high hopes for number four with Givine in the $150,000
stake on July 4. The Grade II test is for fillies and mares on grass.
“Givine has been training unbelievably,” said Canani of the
French-bred 4-year-old filly. “After her last work, (jockey Joe) Talamo said he
loved her.”
Givine, owned by Marsha Naify, rallied to win the
six-furlong Great Lady M Stakes on turf here May 29 in her second U.S. start
and won three times at one mile in her native France.
“She galloped out 10 lengths in front after that last race,”
said Canani.
“I trained her father, Blackdoun, who won three stakes for
3-year-olds on the turf at Del
Mar. This one is like her father. She’s gray and has a big kick.”
Canani won the Royal Heroine twice with French import Tuzla
in 1998 and 1999 and completed a three-peat with Tranquility Lake in 2000.
Expected to join Givine (Talamo) in the Royal Heroine are
2010 American Oaks winner Harmonious (Joel Rosario), Redondo Beach Stakes
winner Wild Mia (David Flores), Redondo Beach runner-up Andina (Garrett Gomez)
and Gamely Stakes runner-up Celtic Princess (Rafael Bejarano).
Miss Pleasant heads a list of possible starters.