Bal a Bali looking to get fit for Breeders' Cup Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. – Bal a Bali, unraced since a sixth-place finish in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile on Aug. 20, is likely to start in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on Nov. 4 at Del Mar.

But trainer Richard Mandella said last weekend that Bal a Bali faces a tight schedule to be in peak form for the $2 million grass race. Gaining a spot in the field is not an issue. Bal a Bali earned a fees-paid berth with his win in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita in June.

Timing is another matter. Bal a Bali has had three workouts since returning to training last month, including six furlongs in 1:13.80 on Oct. 12 at Santa Anita. Mandella said Bal a Bali is likely to start, judging from his recent exercise.

“We’re still trying to make it, if we can,” Mandella said.

Mandella put the chances of Bal a Bali starting at “75-25.”

Owned by Calumet Farm, the 7-year-old Bal a Bali has won two of four starts this year, with both wins in Grade 1 races at Santa Anita – the Kilroe Mile in March and the Shoemaker Mile. He was fifth in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on May 6 at Churchill Downs.

In the Del Mar Mile, Bal a Bali was third midway through the race but finished 6 1/2 lengths behind Blackjackcat, another contender for the BC Mile. Bal a Bali underwent a series of physical tests following the Del Mar Mile and was based at the San Luis Rey Downs training center in northern San Diego County before recently returning to Mandella’s stable at Santa Anita.

Earlier this year, Mandella sent Bal a Bali to San Luis Rey Downs for light training between the loss at Churchill Downs and the win in the Shoemaker Mile.