Bitzka on fence for Chandelier

ARCADIA, Calif. – Bitzka, the undefeated winner of the Barretts Debutante at Los Alamitos on Sept. 17, is expected to be entered for Saturday’s $300,000 Chandelier Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita.

Whether Bitzka starts depends on what kind of week she has under the direction of trainer John Sadler. With a quick return to racing after the Barretts Debutante, Sadler said he is taking a cautious approach to the filly’s participation.

“She’ll be entered,” Sadler said over the weekend. “The main reason is I’m waiting on the two-week turnaround and how much energy she has. It’s a little quicker than I normally run a 2-year-old. But on the other hand, I want to be in there to take a look.”

Bitzka won a $62,500 claiming race for maidens at Del Mar in her debut Aug. 25. She was claimed by Sadler and owners Pete and Kosta Hronis. In the Barretts Debutante at 6 1/2 furlongs, Bitzka was always near the front and won by 5 1/4 lengths over a modest field.

The Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes is run at 1 1/16 miles. The winner receives an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies through the Win and You’re In program.