Cambodia possible for BC Filly and Mare turf

DEL MAR, Calif. - Cambodia may take owner Don Robinson and trainer Tom Proctor to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Del Mar on Nov. 4 on the merits of her recent starts.

Cambodia swept the two Grade 2 turf stakes for fillies and mares at the Del Mar summer meeting – the Yellow Ribbon Handicap at 1 1/16 miles Aug. 5 and Saturday’s John Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles. The Mabee is run at the same distance as the BC Filly and Mare Turf.

Before the summer meeting, Cambodia was only a Grade 3 winner, in the Gallorette Stakes at Pimlico in May. Her recent success has led to a different outlook, Robinson said in the winner’s circle.

“She did pass a test,” he said. “She loves it here.”

Robinson said he and Proctor will discuss plans for Cambodia in coming weeks.

Cambodia rallied from sixth in a field of 13 to win the $202,760 Mabee Stakes by three-quarters of a length as the 5-2 favorite over Goodyearforroses, who was also 5-2. The Mabee was the first start for Goodyearforroses since a second to Lady Eli in the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes at Santa Anita in May. She raced in traffic into the stretch and closed well in the final furlong.

“She was a little unlucky, but she ran a good race,” trainer Richard Baltas said Sunday morning.