In Beldame, Farrell finds ideal spot for latest Grade 1 attempt

ELMONT, N.Y. – She has won five graded stakes, seven stakes overall and earned more than $1 million. The only thing Farrell hasn’t done is win a Grade 1 race.

She will have a terrific opportunity to achieve that milestone in Saturday’s $400,000 Beldame Stakes at Belmont Park. Farrell drew the outside post in a field of eight fillies and mares, none of whom has won a Grade 1 stakes in North America.

Trainer Wayne Catalano said the Beldame became attractive to him and his owners – Bob Cunningham’s and Annette Bacola’s Coffeepot Stables – when Elate was withdrawn from consideration due to injury and Abel Tasman stayed in California for last weekend’s Zenyatta Stakes.

“We’re trying to knock out a Grade 1 and there’s a good chance without Elate and without [Abel Tasman],” Catalano said Wednesday. “It looks like a mediocre race. Why would you not run?”

One of Farrell’s five graded stakes wins came in the Grade 3 Shuvee at Saratoga, where she won a three-way photo over Wow Cat and Verve’s Tale, both of whom are in this race.

Farrell finished fifth of six behind Abel Tasman and Elate in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign last out. In that race, she chased a strong early pace and faded by the three-sixteenths pole.

“We count that as a non-race,” Catalano said.

The Beldame will be Farrell’s first start around one turn since she won the Grade 2 Chilukki last November at Churchill. Catalano said the Beldame could be used as a prep for either the Breeders’ Cup Distaff or the Filly and Mare Sprint.

The Beldame field, from the rail out, is: Dreamcall, Teresa Z, Divine Miss Grey, Come Dancing, Verve’s Tale, Wow Cat, Berned, and Farrell.