Didia to get a race over the Breeders' Cup course in John C. Mabee

Didia, among the leaders of the female turf division, is being pointed to the Grade 2, $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar on Sept. 7, trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Correas said Tuesday.

Correas said starting in the Mabee, at 1 1/8 miles, gives Didia a run over the same course on which the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf will be held. Also, it is virtually guaranteed she will get firm turf.

Didia was not entered in Saturday’s Grade 1 Beverly D. at Colonial Downs where the turf is expected to be less than firm due to the impact of Tropical Storm Debby - and that’s provided the race is run that day.

“California, you know it’s going to be firm, if you have a wet track in September, they’re giving you a sign,” Correas said. “It’s not what you usually have, put it that way.”

Correas hadn’t decided if Didia would stay in California after the Mabee and train toward the Breeders’ Cup or if she would return to Keeneland where she would be based in the fall. Didia is currently stabled at Colonial where on Tuesday she worked an easy half-mile in 50.20 seconds.

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Didia is 2 for 4 this year with victories in the Grade 1 New York at Saratoga in June and the Grade 2 Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park in January. She finished third in the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley at Keeneland in April and, most recently, finished fourth, beaten 1 1/2 lengths by Whitebeam, in the Grade 1 Diana at Saratoga on July 13.

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