Clocker: Stellar Wind has good, solid work

SANTA ANITA
Track: Fast
Weather: Overcast
Temp.: 63

ARCADIA, Calif. – The threat of rain that forced many trainers to alter workout schedules for their Breeders’ Cup horses the past couple of days was a false alarm, so the main track was fast and dry throughout Friday morning’s five-hour training session.

One trainer unswayed by the weather forecast was John Sadler, who sent out Stellar Wind as scheduled Friday for her final prep for her much-anticipated confrontation with Beholder and Songbird in the Distaff. Stellar Wind was one of four Breeders’ Cup horses to work Friday at Santa Anita, along with Tara’s Tango [Filly and Mare Sprint], Partyinthepaddock [Juvenile Fillies Turf], and Kitcat [Filly and Mare Turf], all going within about a 10- to 12-minute span in the dark immediately after the first renovation break.

STELLAR WIND worked in company with Hard Aces, a millionaire slated to compete in the Marathon on Breeders’ Cup Day. Stellar Wind broke two lengths back of his partner at the six-furlong pole, and angled a bit wide while on even terms into the stretch after posting opening splits of 25.59 and 49.12 for a half-mile. The Sadler pair ran by another worker at midstretch, with Stellar Wind sticking her head in front at the wire, finishing under urging to complete the distance in 1:13.15. She galloped out seven-eighths in 1:26.47, pulled up a mile in 1:40.61. It was a good, solid move for a filly who has never been known to be a flashy work horse. Like her chief competition in the Distaff, she appears to be going into the race on top of her game.

TARA’S TANGO worked solo and turned in a big move, responding extremely well to late encouragement from jockey Rafael Bejarano to complete the final quarter of a 59.77 five-eighths drill in 23.35. She continued with good energy into and around the bend on the gallop-out. She could prove a bit of a sleeper in the very contentious Filly and Mare Sprint.

PARTYINTHEPADDOCK began 1 1/2 lengths behind an older maiden workmate and had to be urged late to finish a head in front of her well-held partner after five furlongs in 1:00.33, with the first three furlongs in 36.05. She galloped out decently enough for a turf horse on dirt, six furlongs in 1:13.71.

KITCAT looked much improved this morning over her previous work six days earlier. Breaking off right on top of the five-furlong pole, Kitcat posted a leisurely 13.14 opening split before steadily picking up the pace, covering her final three furlongs in a lively 35.30 all on her own. Her rider sat chilly to the wire to complete five-eighths in 1:00.01 before allowing her to gallop out six furlongs in 1:14.20. This was a pretty encouraging run from a turf horse working on the dirt.

Among the gallopers who caught the eye this morning were EFFINEX [Classic], GOOD SAMARITAN [Juvenile or Juvenile Turf], NOT THIS TIME [Juvenile] and WITH HONORS [Juvenile].

Effinex looked very happy and relaxed during a routine gallop, with his ears pricked coming down the lane the final time.

The undefeated Good Samaritan is a powerfully built 2-year-old who has made a terrific impression all week and should be a major player if he goes in the Juvenile Turf, as expected.

Not This Time continues to make a grand appearance, looking very relaxed galloping 1 5/8 miles. He picked up the pace just slightly when he got into some company around the final turn.

The turf course, which has been closed for training throughout the meet, will open for the first time on Monday, and will be available through Friday for Breeders’ Cup horses only.