America passes on Ladies Stakes

The Bill Mott-trained America, who won the Affectionately Stakes on New Year’s Day, was sent to south Florida, where she will get a brief freshening. As a result, she will not contest next Saturday’s $100,000 Ladies Stakes.

Mott said America, owned by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, will be given about 30 days off before returning to training. Her next start is undecided, though the Grade 2, $200,000 Top Flight at Aqueduct on April 11 could be considered.

Meanwhile, Penwith and Divided Attention, who finished second and third, respectively, behind America in the Affectionately, both put in workouts Friday morning at Belmont Park in preparation for the Ladies.

Both fillies, working by themselves after the 9:30 a.m. renovation break, went four furlongs. Divided Attention was timed in 48.44 seconds, while Penwith went the same distance in 49.11.

Penwith, a daughter of Bernardini, was beaten a nose in the Affectionately while finishing three lengths clear of Divided Attention. Penwith had set the pace and had a three-length lead at the eighth pole before getting run down late.

“Unlucky not to win,” said Art Magnuson, assistant to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. “Fernando [Jara] took advantage of his inside post, gave it his best shot, and we ran very well.”

Though her pedigree would suggest the Ladies distance of 1 1/8 miles would be in her wheelhouse, Divided Attention has only recorded wins at seven furlongs and a one-turn mile.

“No reason to think she can’t go a mile and an eighth,” Magnuson said. “Dylan [Davis] thought she could carry on. He asked for longer [distance].”

Others pointing to the Ladies include Belle Gallantey and Shayjolie.