Beholder works three furlongs for Zenyatta

DEL MAR, Calif. – Beholder, the two-time champion who beat males Aug. 22 in the $1 million Pacific Classic, worked three furlongs in 36 seconds Saturday at Del Mar.

Trainer Richard Mandella timed the workout slightly quicker in 35.80 and said the exercise puts Beholder on course for the $300,000 Zenyatta Stakes for fillies and mares Sept. 26 at Santa Anita.

“If she looks like she does now, we’ll be running,” Mandella said.

Mandella said if Beholder performs to expectations in that race, the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on Oct. 31 is a strong possibility.

Saturday’s workout was the first for Beholder since her comprehensive win in the Pacific Classic, in which she drew away through the stretch to win by 8 1/4 lengths over stablemate Catch a Flight.

Beholder is scheduled to be sent to Santa Anita early Tuesday morning with the rest of the Mandella stable. Owned by B. Wayne Hughes, Beholder was the champion 2-year-old filly of 2012 and the champion 3-year-old filly of 2013.

Also on Saturday, Hard Aces, the winner of the $500,000 Gold Cup at Santa Anita on June 27, worked a half-mile in 47.60. Hard Aces, sixth in the Pacific Classic, is a candidate for the $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita on Sept. 26.

Because of his win in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita, Hard Aces has an automatic berth for the BC Classic through the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In program.