Achira in tough for John Mabee

DEL MAR, Calif. – On the opening week of the Del Mar summer meeting, Achira closed with interest to finish second to Fahan Mura in the restricted Osunitas Stakes for fillies and mares on turf July 20. On the final weekend of the meeting, Achira will have her graded stakes debut in Saturday’s Grade 2 John Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

The $200,000 Mabee Stakes for fillies and mares is a tough assignment – the race is led by the multiple stakes winner Cambodia – but Achira has shown sufficient progress in recent starts to leave trainer John Shirreffs hopeful the 4-year-old filly can be competitive.

“I always felt like she had room for improvement,” he said last weekend. “I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Achira. A mile and an eighth is fine. She was rank and hard to rate before, and now she’s getting that part of it.”

Owned by Jerry and Ann Moss, Achira has won 2 of 8 starts. Her most recent win, in an optional claimer, was subject to a lengthy and controversial inquiry after Achira drifted out several lanes. The stewards did not alter the order of finish, but later suspended jockey Mike Smith four days for his ride on Achira.

Gary Stevens has been aboard Achira in her last two starts and has the mount Saturday.

The Osunitas was Achira’s stakes debut.

“When she puts it all together, she’ll be good,” Shirreffs said.

Aside from Cambodia, who won the 2017 John Mabee Stakes and the Yellow Ribbon Stakes earlier this month, the probable starters for the Mabee include Cheekaboo, Cordiality, Fahan Mura, Madame Stripes, Meal Ticket, Midnight Crossing, Sophie P, Storm the Hill, and Vasilka.