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.”