Delia saddles last two winners in Luther Burbank Handicap

Given his recent success in the $50,000 Luther Burbank Handicap at Santa Rosa, it’s worth listening to trainer Bill Delia as he prepares the last two winners for Saturday’s edition of the 1 1/16-mile turf race for fillies and mares.

He’ll send out 2015 winner Central Heat and 2016 winner Elegant Bel in a field of 10.

“We’ve been waiting for this,” he said. “Both are doing really well.”

Central Heat had won seven straight coming into last year’s race and was sent off as the 6-5 favorite, but stablemate Elegant Bel controlled the pace and held on to win by a half-length, with Central Heat settling for fifth following a 10-week layoff.

Both runners will be making their first start since Elegant Bel finished fourth and Central Heat fifth in a June 9 allowance race at Golden Gate Fields. That was Central Heat’s first race this year, and the 8-year-old mare needed the race and had some trouble, Delia said.

“A horse kept bumping into her, and she got all cut up on her rear leg,” he said.

Charming Starlet makes her first start since running second in that June 9 race, but she may not be the primary rival for the Delia duo. The Southern California-based Lady Valeur, who is making her 11th straight stakes start, is 2 for 2 in Northern California stakes and has been facing the best company.

Miss Boom Boom, Blushing Bug, and Fervent Femme each comes into the race off a victory. Laseen just finished ahead of Lady Valeur in the Osunitas at Del Mar. Mon Petite won an allowance on the Tapeta at Golden Gate over Central Heat to close out her 2016 season and finished fifth in an allowance on turf there in June in her only start this year. She finished second to Lady Valeur in last year’s Miss America.

Luther Burbank (race 9)

Key Contenders

Central Heat, by Unusual Heat

Last 3 Beyers: 84-76-88

◗ A stalker, she could benefit from a pace duel between Elegant Bel and Brookys Star.

Laseen, by Dylan Thomas

Last 3 Beyers: 88-80-86

◗ She is at her best when she makes a late run, as she did in outfinishing Lady Valeur last out.

◗ She raced in France until this year and is looking for first U.S. win.

Lady Valeur, by Multiplex

Last 3 Beyers: 82-89-88

◗ She won the Golden Poppy at Golden Gate in May the last time she raced in Northern California.

◗ She missed becoming a Grade 1 winner by a half-length when she finished third in the American Oaks at Santa Anita on Dec. 31.

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