Caroline Thomas may make next start in Diana Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Caroline Thomas, who won a third-level allowance race here June 15, could make her next start July 19 in the Grade 1, $500,000 Diana Stakes at Saratoga, trainer Barclay Tagg said Friday.

Caroline Thomas rallied from off the pace to beat a quality field by 2 1/2 lengths under apprentice Taylor Rice. It was the first win for Caroline Thomas since she was elevated to first by the stewards in last year’s Grade 2 Lake Placid Stakes at Saratoga. The Diana, like the Lake Placid, is run at 1 1/8 miles.

“I’d sure like to run in the Diana,” Tagg said. “All the mares in that family got better as they got older. She just missed in a couple of nice ones last year.”

Tagg credited Rice with a good ride, not leaving Caroline Thomas, a one-run closer, too much to do in the stretch.

“I added Rice to the diet,” Tagg said. “I always thought it’s worth using the bug. It’s worth getting the five pounds, if they can ride. She looks like the real thing.”