Ambitious goal for Visa Parade

DEL MAR, Calif. - Over the next few months, trainer John Sadler has mapped an ambitious plan for Visa Parade, a two-time Grade 1 winner from Argentina.

The schedule is contingent on Visa Parade running exceptionally well in an optional claimer at a mile on the synthetic main track at Del Mar on Monday.

The race is the second start in the United States for Visa Parade. He finished second in the Grade 3 Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate Fields on June 2, racing near the front before fading to finish three lengths behind My Creed.

"He was up a little close on a fast pace," Sadler said. "He was taken back and then made another run. I don't think he got a great trip. I think he had to overcome a couple of things."

Monday, Sadler would like for jockey Michael Baze to keep Visa Parade off the pace early. "I think he has a [late] run in him," Sadler said.

Sadler was particularly impressed with Visa Parade's seven-furlong workout in 1:26.40 on Tuesday.

"We still think he's a horse with a good potential," Sadler said. "He had a good work the other day."

A win on Monday could lead to a start in the $85,000 Windy Sands Handicap at a mile on Sept. 3 and the Grade 1 Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting on Sept. 29.

"I want to do a little confidence building," Sadler said of Monday's race.

Owned by Stud Aladino, Visa Parade has won 4 of 10 starts, including three group stakes in Argentina. He won Group 1 stakes in Argentina at about six furlongs and 7 1/2 furlongs, and in 2006 was second in the Argentine 2000 Guineas and third in the Argentine Derby.

Monday's race may only have five starters. Siren Lure, a winner of 12 of 26 starts and $842,521, may not run, owing to a bruised foot, trainer Art Sherman said.

Sherman said that Siren Lure has battled foot problems in recent months.

"We're working on it and still working on it," Sherman said. "I need more time to get him back to 100 percent."

Sire Lure is winless in six starts since last summer, when he won three consecutive graded stakes for sprinters.

The other four entrants - Americanrevolution, C'Mon Tiger, Railroad, and Worchester - are coming off losses. Americanrevolution was a game second in an optional claimer at Churchill Downs on July 7.