Eddie Read optimal distance for Dicey Mo Chara
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Dicey Mo Chara has had a steady presence in longer graded stakes on turf in Southern California in recent years. He has not been a consistent visitor to the winner’s circle, however.
In 13 starts since the beginning of 2022, Dicey Mo Chara has started in 12 stakes and has won twice at 1 1/8 miles, leaving trainer Leonard Powell hopeful that a start at that distance in Sunday’s Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes will work for the 5-year-old.
“I think he can win,” Powell said. “I hope he can win. His last win was a mile and an eighth.”
Dicey Mo Chara is winless in four starts this year. He won his final start of 2022 in the Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Santa Anita in December.
Dicey Mo Chara has not raced since he finished third by 1 1/2 lengths in the Grade 3 San Luis Rey Stakes at 1 1/2 miles on turf at Santa Anita on May 13.
“I think a mile and a half is a bit too far,” Powell said. “A mile and an eighth and a mile and a quarter is his game.”
Owned by Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal, Dicey Mo Chara will be ridden by Juan Hernandez, who was aboard the gelding for his win in the San Gabriel and the loss in the San Luis Rey.
The $250,000 Eddie Read has a projected field of seven, including four runners trained by Phil D’Amato – Balnikhov, Count Again, Gold Phoenix, and Masteroffoxhounds. Cabo Spirit and Mackinnon are the other probable starters.
Powell had a strong opening weekend of the Del Mar summer meeting, winning the Grade 2 San Clemente Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at a mile on turf with the promising Anisette last Saturday.
Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Anisette closed from 10th in a field of 14 to win the San Clemente by 2 1/2 lengths as the 2-1 favorite in her stakes debut.
Anisette has won her last three starts, a streak that includes her final race in Britain last December in an allowance on the synthetic track at Wolverhampton and her American debut in an allowance race on turf at Santa Anita in May.
“She’s really stepped up,” Powell said. “She’s always been very forward and she seems to be thriving. I can’t pinpoint one thing. I’m hoping she’s responding well to our training.”
The Grade 2 Del Mar Oaks at 1 1/8 miles on turf on Aug. 19 is expected to be Anisette’s next start.
“I don’t think an extra eighth of a mile is going to be difficult,” Powell said.
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