Cambodia points to John Mabee Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – At the age of 6, Cambodia could easily be in her final year of racing. If so, Cambodia’s success on the Del Mar turf course will define her career.

Cambodia won her third graded stakes on turf at Del Mar in the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Stakes last Saturday, a race she also won in 2017. There is a strong likelihood Cambodia will start in the Grade 2 John Mabee Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on turf Sept. 2, yet another race she won in 2017.

“I think we’ll stay out here,” owner Don Robinson said. “She loves the hard turf and the tight turns.”

Trained by Tom Proctor, Cambodia has won 7 of 18 starts. Of her four career stakes wins, three have been at Del Mar. By War Front, Cambodia also won the Grade 3 Gallorette Stakes at Pimlico in May 2017. A start in the same race earlier this year was abandoned because of wet conditions.

Last November Cambodia was third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Del Mar at 1 1/8 miles. This year’s race will be at Churchill Downs at 1 3/8 miles on Nov. 3 and will likely be held without Cambodia.

“The Breeders’ Cup is too long for her,” Robinson said.

As a substitute, the Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes at a mile on Dec. 2 is a long-term goal. Cambodia was fourth in the 2017 Matriarch as the 5-2 favorite last November, encountering trouble on the first turn.

A mile is certainly a good fit for Cambodia. In the Yellow Ribbon at 1 1/16 miles, Cambodia closed from fifth with a wide rally to win by 2 1/2 lengths as the favorite.

“I thought she would have that kick,” Robinson said.