Carina Mia shines in work

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Carina Mia tuned up for her confrontation with division leader Songbird in the Coaching Club American Oaks next Sunday with an impressive five-furlong work over the Oklahoma training track on Friday.

Carina Mia posted splits of 12.80 seconds and 35.80 en route to a final clocking of 58.80 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:11.80 and pulling up seven furlongs in 1:26, according to Daily Racing Form clocker Mike Vesce. Vesce described the work as “eye-catching” and said she went so easily that she appeared to have gone in 1:02.

Trainer Bill Mott compared the work to Carina Mia’s drill before she won the Eight Belles Stakes by six lengths at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day.

“She worked good at Churchill before the race over there, and she went very good today,” said Mott. “She seems like she’s doing great. I’m really pleased with her.”

Carina Mia won the Grade 1 Acorn going a mile at Belmont Park in her last start. Carina Mia is owned by the Three Chimneys Farm of Goncalo Borges Torrealba.