Aguafria back from layoff in Luther Burbank Handicap
SANTA ROSA, Calif. – On paper, it’s a class hike for Aguafria, but after facing stakes types in Southern California, she might appreciate being entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Luther Burbank Handicap at Santa Rosa. The 1 1/16-mile turf event for fillies and mares drew a field of seven.
Owned by Darpat France Stable and trained by Neil Drysdale, the daughter of More Than Ready showed ability in France, winning a stakes over males in September 2013. She came to the U.S. in the spring of 2014 and, while winless in seven starts, has run a number of good races on grass in Southern California. The only time in those races when she wasn’t a factor was in the Grade 3 Robert J. Frankel at Santa Anita on Dec. 27, when she was last of nine. She most recently rallied strongly for second in a very strong optional claimer there April 3.
Central Heat may well be the one to beat. Owned by Dave Del Debbio, William Delia, and Dana Rocheford and trained by Delia, she comes here on a roll, having won six of her last seven, including a game tally in the Golden Poppy on the Golden Gate Fields turf last time out May 9.
Sing and Tell, trained by Holly Evans, won this race last year. Handfull, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, is a win machine, having captured seven of her last nine. She is 14 for 30 overall, including 6 of 12 on turf.
KEY CONTENDERS
Aguafria (Last 3 Beyers: 83-84-85)
◗ She makes her first start in four months, but one of her best efforts came when rallying strongly for third at Del Mar last fall after a layoff. She signaled her readiness with a bullet six-furlong work in 1:16 at Del Mar on July 23.
◗ The horse she ran second to in her last start April 3, Smoove It, was a sharp second next out, beaten a nose, in the Grade 3 Wilshire at Santa Anita on April 26.
Central Heat (Last 3 Beyers: 86-77-78)
◗ The only time she raced on this course, last summer, she won.
◗ She’s the 120-pound highweight.
Sing and Tell (Last 3 Beyers: 84-50-79)
◗ She ran third, beaten less than a length by Central Heat, in the Golden Poppy on May 9 at Golden Gate. That was her first start in eight months, so she can improve.
◗ Speed is her main weapon, so she figures to be on or near the lead from the bell.