Bal a Bali's freshening pays off in Kilroe Mile victory

Trainer Richard Mandella called the Grade 1 Kilroe Mile victory by Bal a Bali on Saturday “one of the most pleasurable ones I’ve had.” Bal a Bali was making his first start since June, and very nearly went to stud this year before owner Calumet Farm decided to leave him in training for another year.

Before Bal a Bali could return to racing, though, he needed to get over the rigors of an aggressive campaign the first half of 2016. “He was burned out, stiff and sore,” Mandella said Sunday morning at his Santa Anita barn.

Mandella sent Bal a Bali to San Luis Rey Downs, where, he said, trainer Michele Dollase oversaw his training. “He swam for a couple of weeks, then would swim and train,” Mandella said. “It did him good to get freshened up that way. I’ve got to give a lot of credit to Michele.”

Bal a Bali, bred in Brazil, has now won 14 times in 23 starts. Before coming to Mandella, he overcame a case of laminitis.

Mandella also was thrilled with the victory in a maiden race of the 3-year-old filly Paradise Woods, a daughter of Union Rags who scored in her second lifetime start.

“I thought she’d win first time, but I guess I was too impressed with my training,” Mandella said. “She’s a big, tall, leggy filly. Eventually I think she’ll stretch out, but I don’t know if I’ll stretch her out next time just yet.”

Dortmund done with turf?

Dortmund tried turf for the first time in the Kilroe Mile, and it likely will be the last time. He finished last of six, beaten more than 11 lengths by Bal a Bali, and Sunday morning trainer Art Sherman said Dortmund would return to the dirt for his next start.

“He didn’t handle it at all,” Sherman said of the turf. “He was bobbling, not comfortable at all. I’m very happy with the way he came back.”

Sherman said Dortmund would make his next start in the $75,000 Santana Mile on the dirt April 1.

The Kilroe Mile was the first start for Dortmund since he was transferred to Sherman after owner Kaleem Shah and Baffert split.