Bella Filomena gets class test; Explorer debuts for Baffert

ARCADIA, Calif. – Handicapping riddles come in a variety of forms Friday at Santa Anita, where questions regarding class, speed, pace, and condition are on full display.

The class-speed challenge applies to a Delta Downs shipper with a career-high 59 Beyer Speed Figure – is Bella Filomena overmatched against locals Mapit and Beautiful Princess in a first-level allowance route, race 2?

Is a one-dimensional front-runner compromised by pace in a turf-sprint allowance? Or can G Q Covergirl speed clear of her rival Tizanillusion and lead gate to wire in race 3?

Finally, how about a $1.25 million first-time starter? Is the 3-year-old colt Explorer ready to fire, or will second-time starter Beneficent make the front and be long gone in race 6?

First-level allowance routes for fillies and mares such as race 2 are predictable this year – $4.80 is the highest payoff from four races. But favoritism Friday is unclear. High-figure starter Beautiful Princess is a turf specialist, and likely pacesetter Mapit completed her final quarter in 26.77 seconds last out, missing by a nose in a similar dirt mile.

Bella Filomena faces modest foes in her first start for trainer Richard Baltas, and her two races at Delta Downs were solid. She won her debut after minor trouble, followed by a runner-up finish in a productive race. The winner won a second-level allowance two starts later, and two who finished behind Bella Filomena won next out.

Bella Filomena can win race 2 if she can catch the blinkers-on front-runner Mapit and hold off the rally of Beautiful Princess.

G Q Covergirl is the likely pacesetter in race 3, a first-level allowance on the downhill course. Her chances might depend on tactics by Tizanillusion, who has speed but has run well from behind. If the front-runners hook up, Beau Recall might be along in time.

As for the expensive firster in race 6, Explorer is trained by Bob Baffert, whose debut runners typically are well prepared. Since Jan. 1, Baffert is 9 for 10 with first-timers who are favored. Explorer, a fast-working son of Orb, could be favored over stablemate Julius and speedster Beneficent.

Explorer was purchased at a 2017 sale of 2-year-olds and was up to a half-mile in workouts last August before he was stopped on. Since he resumed working in January, he has not missed a beat. A sibling to runaway debut winner Wrath of Ruthie, Explorer is ready to fire.