Curlin's Approval, Distinta meet again in Ballerina

When Curlin’s Approval and Distinta, who finished first and second in the Grade 2 Princess Rooney on July 1 at Gulfstream Park, compete in Saturday’s Grade 1 Ballerina both will do so for a new trainer of record.

Curlin’s Approval will compete for the first time with her owner and breeder, Happy Alter, listed as her trainer. The two-time Grade 2 winner has made all 11 of her starts for trainer Marty Wolfson. Curlin’s Approval blew out three furlongs in 33.80 seconds Monday at Gulfstream, galloping out a half-mile in 46.20, according to track clockers, with jockey Jose Battista aboard.

“She did it in hand and while kept off the rail,” Alter said. “The clockers said it was the best they’ve ever seen her blow out before a race.”

Regular rider Luis Saez will have the mount in the Ballerina.

Distinta was turned over to trainer Todd Pletcher after selling for $600,000 at the Fasig-Tipton July sale. The daughter of Summer Bird has been well traveled during her career, having been trained in the past by Gustavo Delgado, Jerry Hollendorfer, and, more recently, Victor Barboza Jr.

“She’s a beautiful filly, very straightforward,” Pletcher said. “She’s very professional to train. Her last couple of breezes were good. There’s a lot of speed in the field. I think she’s got the potential to sit the right kind of trip, and we’re very excited to get her going.”