Never better at age 5, Irish-bred Beau Recall heads a field of six fillies and mares three and up in Saturday’s Grade , $300,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes, to be contested at a mile and a quarter over the Santa Anita turf course. Although winless in her last seven starts, trainer Michael McCarthy’s Paved comes off a much improved fourth place finish in her most recent start and could merit second billing.
The Rodeo Drive, a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Race qualifier, has attracted a field of six fillies and mares three and up and will provide the winner with a fees-paid berth into the $2 million Maker’s Mark Cup Filly & Mare Turf on Nov. 2.
Owner: Slam Dunk Racing and Medallion Racing
Trainer: Brad Cox
With three wins and two seconds from five starts this year, this 5-year-old mare overcame trouble around the far turn and unleashed a big stretch rally to take Del Mar’s Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap by a nose on Aug. 3. Although winless in three tries at a mile and a quarter, the way she finished in the 1 1/16 miles Yellow Ribbon would perhaps suggest she’ll be as effective on the stretch-out this Saturday.
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners & Ciaglia Racing LLC
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Fourth, beaten 2 ¾ lengths by likely Eclipse finalist Vasilika in the Grade 2 John C. Mabee Stakes on Aug. 31, Paved’s last win came over the Santa Anita course eight starts back in the Grade 3 Honeymoon Stakes on June 9, 2018. With an improved 94 Beyer Speed figure in the Mabee, Paved, who will be making her third start of the year on Saturday, appears poised to fire a big shot in the Rodeo Drive.
THE GRADE I RODEO DRIVE WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS
Race 9 of 11; approximate post time 4:30 p.m. PT
1. Mirth—Mike Smith-121
2. Beau Recall—Drayden Van Dyke—123
3. Elysea’s World—Flavien Prat—121
4. Siberian Iris—Rafael Bejarano—121
5. Excellent Sunset—Abel Cedillo—121
6. Paved—Victor Espinoza--121
