Beholder to face about a half-dozen in Clement Hirsch
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
DEL MAR, Calif. – Beholder, the two-time champion, will be part of a field of about six or seven fillies and mares in the $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar on Aug. 1.
The Grade 1 Hirsch Stakes is the top race for females at the summer meeting and has significant consequences for the fall. The winner receives an automatic berth for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Keeneland on Oct. 30 through the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In program.
Beholder won the Grade 3 Adoration Stakes at Santa Anita on June 13, her 10th career stakes win. A 5-year-old mare, Beholder was the champion 2-year-old filly of 2012 and champion 3-year-old filly of 2013.
Beholder will be a heavy favorite in the Hirsch at 1 1/16 miles against expected rivals Sam’s Sister, Stellar Wind, Thegirlinthatsong, and Warren’s Veneda. Richard Mandella, who trains Beholder for B. Wayne Hughes, said on Friday that he might run Gas Total or Gusto Dolce.
Gas Total won the Osunitas Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on dirt July 18.