Dorth Vader will run out of Weaver's barn in Acorn
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Dorth Vader, who upset the Grade 2 Davona Dale at odds of 45-1 earlier this winter at Gulfstream Park and most recently finished a game fifth after being hung wide pressing the early pace in the Kentucky Oaks, has been transferred from trainer Michael Yates to George Weaver in preparation for her upcoming start a week from Friday at Belmont Park in the Grade 1 Acorn.
Dorth Vader, a homebred daughter of Girvin owned by John Ropes, left South Florida shortly after breezing a half-mile in 49.23 seconds at Gulfstream last Friday while being hard held throughout over the synthetic track. Her work switched to the Tapeta surface after heavy rains left the main track muddy and sealed that morning.
Weaver said Dorth Vader is currently at Belmont Park, where she’s scheduled to get in her first work over the track on Friday.
“She’s obviously a very good filly who compiled a very nice résumé with Mike, and I’m just going to try to carry on what he’s been doing with her down there,” Weaver said.
Pretty Mischievous and Gambling Girl, the first two finishers in the Kentucky Oaks, are among the 21 3-year-old fillies nominated to the Acorn, which this year will be run at 1 1/16 miles.
Weaver could have as many as three starters in Grade 1 races here next week. He is targeting the 1 1/16-mile Ogden Phipps with Pass the Champagne off her impressive 5 1/2-length victory in the Grade 2 Ruffian and considering Dark Factor, a 10-length maiden winner in his last start, for the seven-furlong Woody Stephens. Both of those races will be decided on the undercard of next Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.
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