Decision on Amaranth key to Camilla Urso
The outcome of Saturday’s $50,000 Camilla Urso at Golden Gate Fields might be greatly affected at scratch time because Amaranth will be entered in both the Camilla Urso and the Grade 3 Las Flores on Sunday at Santa Anita.
Amaranth not only adds front-running speed to the field of seven fillies and mares in the six-furlong Camilla Urso, but she is also the most accomplished horse in the race. Amaranth’s trainer, O.J. Jauregui, said he would decide where to run after seeing the entries for the Las Flores.
The 5-year-old Amaranth has won the last two times she’s raced at Golden Gate, back in 2014. Later that year, she won the Bet America Oaks at Pleasanton and the Sen. Ken Maddy at Santa Anita. She won two stakes last year: the Desert Stormer at Santa Anita and the Asparagus Stakes at Stockton.
Amaranth has not raced since fading to fifth in an optional claimer on turf at Del Mar in November. But she scored both of her stakes wins at Santa Anita following layoffs. Amaranth’s record at Santa Anita and the lure of adding a graded stakes win to her record makes sending her south an attractive proposition for Jauregui and owner Highland Yard LLC.
Should Amaranth scratch, Fast and Foxy likely would wind up as the lone speed in the Camilla Urso.
Fast and Foxy scored a front-running win in a $62,500 optional claimer Feb. 5 at Golden Gate in her last start. The victory was the 10th of her career. She’ll be running in the Camilla Urso for the third straight year and is looking for her first stakes placing.
CAMILLA URSO (race 7)
Key contenders
Amaranth, by Mr. Greeley
Last 3 Beyers: 81-86-84
◗ She won the Desert Stormer following a similar layoff in her first start last year.
◗ She has worked every six or seven days since Feb. 5, although Jauregui said he had hoped to get her one more work.
Fast and Foxy, by Thisnearlywasmine
Last 3 Beyers: 81-76-69
◗ She’s a needs-the-lead type, as is Amaranth. She’s sharp and has hit the board before when outhustled early.
Minks Aprise, by Northern Afleet
Last 3 Beyers: 65-81-46
◗ She’s one of three runners sent out by leading trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.
◗ She’s run well here and should get a great stalking trip.