Curlin's Approval sharp in work for Royal Delta
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Curlin’s Approval served notice she’s squarely on target to defend her title in the Grade 3 Royal Delta here after working an eye-catching five furlongs in 58.13 seconds before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.48 with jockey Edgard Zayas aboard at Gulfstream Park on Thursday.
Curlin’s Approval drew off to a six-length victory in the one-mile Royal Delta here a year ago, and is looking to make amends for her second-place finish as the 8-5 favorite behind 59-1 Jordan’s Henny in the seven-furlong Hurricane Bertie here last month.
“I was very pleased with her work,” said breeder, co-owner, and trainer Happy Alter. “The race comes up pretty soon, so I wanted to get one nice breeze in because the blowout will be close to the race. She was alone and off the rail and did it within herself.”
Zayas, who won the Barely Even Handicap aboard Curlin’s Approval here last fall, will replace regular rider Luis Saez in the Royal Delta. Saez will be out of town next weekend.
Curlin’s Approval was one of 17 fillies and mares nominated to the Royal Delta, with Jordan’s Henny, Lewis Bay, Proper Discretion, Rich Mommy, and Unbridled Mo among the others.
The Royal Delta will be run on the special Presidents’ Day program here on Monday, Feb. 19.
