Energia Fribby likes long distance of Possibly Perfect
ARCADIA, Calif. – Racing 1 1/2 miles on turf is a reach for many of the fillies and mares in the Possibly Perfect Stakes on Sunday at Santa Anita. But the distance will not bother Energia Fribby one bit.
The likely favorite, Energia Fribby actually will be racing a shorter distance Sunday while also dropping in class. Last out, Energia Fribby finished fourth against open company in the Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano at 1 7/8 miles.
“We gave her a rest after the San Juan, turned her out for a bit, and aimed for this,” trainer Neil Drysdale said.
Based on her San Juan effort and a good third in the 1 1/2-mile San Luis Rey two back, Energia Fribby enters with winning credentials.
Seven fillies and mares entered the $75,000 race, which will begin on the backstretch. Turf races at 1 1/2 miles normally start on the downhill portion of the Santa Anita turf, but the hill currently is under renovation. The race will be run entirely on the flat.
Sharla Rae drops in class and stretches out following a good comeback in the Grade 2 Royal Heroine at a mile; Chocalatier ships from Golden Gate Fields in sharp form; and Evo Campo won a second-level allowance last out.
Evo Campo is among the sharpest in the field, having won last month at 1 1/8 miles. She is trained by Paddy Gallagher, who verbalized a chief handicapping concern.
“The distance … we don’t know,” Gallagher said. “We think she can, otherwise we wouldn’t have put her in there. We’re just trying to get a little black type with her.”
Possibly Perfect, Race 8
KEY CONTENDERS
Energia Fribby, by Agnes Gold
Last 3 Beyers: 91-95-87
◗ She is reunited with Drayden Van Dyke, who rode her to a third in the San Luis Rey. In her last start under Rafael Bejarano, Energia Fribby pulled much of the race and did not quicken.
“When you are going that far, you can’t fight,” Drysdale said. “Mr. Bejarano did not get along with her.”
Sharla Rae, by Afleet Alex
Last 3 Beyers: 89-88-84
◗ Her first start back following a five-month layoff was a respectable sixth in the Royal Heroine. Doug O’Neill trains the filly, who won the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks last summer.
Evo Campo, by Afleet Alex
Last 3 Beyers: 89-82-83
◗ Bejarano gets along fine with Evo Campo, whom he rode to two allowance wins already this year. She has won three of her last six starts while moving up the ladder.
Chocalatier, by Lawman
Last 3 Beyers: 84-84-76
◗ Blaine Wright trains the mare, the runner-up last out in a minor stakes at Golden Gate.