Astute on fence for Starlet

A decision regarding participation in the Grade 1 Starlet Dec. 5 at Los Alamitos is still pending for Astute after her Nov. 14 sprint romp in the Desi Arnaz Stakes.

“It’s too soon to tell – it’s a possibility,” trainer Richard Mandella said this week regarding the Starlet.

:: Click to learn about our DRF's Free Past Performance program.

Astute earned an 87 Beyer in the Desi Arnaz, the highest figure this year by a California 2-year-old, male or female.

Meanwhile, a pair of Mandella-trained veteran geldings are getting a break following eighth-place finishes in the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland. United checked out fine following the BC Turf; same with Bombard following the BC Turf Sprint.

“United and Bombard are both getting a little rest, and we’ll point them for the [Santa Anita] winter meet,” Mandella said.

United has won 7 of 17 starts, including four Grade 2s on turf, and earned $1,453,549. Mandella is expected to give him his first shot on dirt next year at age 6.

Bombard, a listed stakes winner with five wins from 15 starts, will be an 8-year-old in 2021 and is expected to focus on a turf-sprint campaign.