Avenge being aimed at the big races next year

One day after Beholder’s thrilling swan song in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, trainer Richard Mandella introduced Avenge to the elite of the female turf division. Her third in the BC Filly and Mare Turf, beaten one length by Queen’s Trust and Lady Eli, stamped Avenge as a force for 2017.

“She answered that [2016] wasn’t just a B.S. little summer campaign – it was real,” Mandella said, adding that Avenge’s BC third established her “as a real horse.”

Avenge, who won the Grade 2 John C. Mabee at Del Mar and Grade 1 Rodeo Drive at Santa Anita, will remain in training in 2017 at age 5. Her goals will be ambitious and reasonable.

“I’m thinking Beverly D., maybe the Just a Game on Belmont Day,” Mandella said.

Sired by War Front and owned by Ramona Bass, Avenge will be turned out for a winter break and resume training in spring. She won three of her last four starts and is 6 for 15 overall.

As for Beholder, she is being let down gradually at Santa Anita and could leave next week for Kentucky.