Cassidy plans to run Prize Exhibit only if Buena Vista stays on turf

Buena Vista means “good view,” but the long-term view for the Saturday card at Santa Anita was for wet weather and a soggy turf course.

Just how much rain falls beginning on Friday, and how that impacts the turf, will have a significant impact on the Grade 2, $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes for older female grass runners. Trainer Jim Cassidy, for one, is hoping there’s just enough moisture to put some give in the turf, but not enough to wash the one-mile race onto the main track, because his mare Prize Exhibit will be the one to beat if the race stays on turf.

Prize Exhibit comes off a victory in the Grade 3 Megahertz last month over a course rated “good.” If it’s softer than that, “I don’t think it’ll be a problem,” Cassidy said Thursday.

“Obviously, if they take it off the turf, she’s not running,” he added.

The entire race would be in flux if it moves to dirt. Most of the 11 entrants are turf specialists, but some have tried the main track, including Wild at Heart, who has chased multiple graded stakes winner Vale Dori in her last two starts, and Lily Pod, who found a wet-fast track to her liking in an allowance sprint win on Jan. 21.

Buena Vista, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Prize Exhibit, by Showcasing

Last 3 Beyers: 89-90-97

◗ She’s a headstrong mare who has been a challenge for Cassidy to train, but she when she’s on her game, she produces a powerful late kick, and she is at her best on Santa Anita’s course, where she is 4 for 11.

◗ Cassidy has had to work her from the gate just to put a work into her, as she will often not cooperate when asked to break from the pole.

“One day she won’t work, sometimes she’ll take off from the quarter pole to the seven-eighths pole,” Cassidy said. “She’s a toughie.”

Mokat, by Uncle Mo

Last 3 Beyers: 82-91-92

◗ She finished last of 12 in the Grade 1 American Oaks but likely was too close to the pace that day. She’s much more effective sitting back and making one run, the strategy Kent Desormeaux used when she won the Grade 2 San Clemente at Del Mar last summer.

Illuminant, by Quality Road

Last 3 Beyers: 100-94-94

◗ She won the Grade 1 Gamely last summer, but various minor injuries caused her to be sent to the sidelines for a freshening. She’s top class when right, but the ominous forecast likely puts her comeback in jeopardy.

Hillhouse High, by Exchange Rate

Last 3 Beyers: 93-90-89

◗ She finished a close third in the Grade 2 Goldikova on Nov. 6 when last seen and gives trainer Richard Baltas, who also has Mokat, a strong one-two punch.

Lily Pod, by Bernstein

Last 3 Beyers: 84-80-79

◗ Her sharp speed and victory on a sealed, wet-fast track last time out make her a prominent threat should the race be moved to the main track.