Expectations high for Savannah Sky

ARCADIA, Calif. – Savannah Sky was in need of action when she finished third in an optional claimer at Santa Anita on March 5. The 4-year-old filly had not raced since August and gave a performance that left trainer Richard Baltas encouraged.

“She needed the race bad,” Baltas said. “She was coming on.”

Savannah Sky will race for the second time this year in an optional claimer at a mile Friday, a race the filly can win, Baltas said.

“I expect a good one,” Baltas said.

Owned by Cicero Farms, Savannah Sky has one win in seven career starts, a maiden race here last June. In Friday’s race, Savannah Sky is part of a field of seven that includes two fillies who won their last starts – the maiden-race winners Makena and Our First Girl.

KEY CONTENDERS

Savannah Sky, by Sky Mesa

Last 3 Beyers: 76-68-72

◗ In her comeback race, Savannah Sky closed from seventh in a field of 10 to finish 3 1/4 lengths behind the winner, Two Taps. Sheer Pleasure finished second and won the Dream of Summer Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares on March 27.

◗ Last August, Savannah Sky was given a rest after finishing fourth behind eventual Grade 1 winner Tara’s Tango in an optional claimer at Del Mar.

“I like her,” Baltas said. “I turned her out because she was going the wrong way.”

◗ Flavien Prat will ride Savannah Sky for the first time Friday, replacing leading rider Rafael Bejarano, who does not have a mount in the race.

Makena, by Pioneerof the Nile

Last 3 Beyers: 78-82-66

◗ The start of Friday’s race will be key for Makena, who won her first race around two turns in a maiden race at a mile on March 3, her fifth start. Makena broke slowly and was last of nine after a quarter-mile but closed steadily to reach contention with a quarter-mile remaining.

◗ Trained by Scott Hansen for Gary Broad, Makena typically races from a stalking position. She has finished in the first three in all five career starts. Hansen said Makena had a schooling session in the starting gate at San Luis Rey Downs in San Diego County on Wednesday.

“She’s trained like a very good horse,” Hansen said. “We kept coming up second or third. By accident, we realized she wants to be a stretch-running route horse. If she can duplicate the last race, she should be right there.”

Moon Over Paris, by Blame

Last 3 Beyers: 79-81-64

◗ Moon Over Paris will have her debut for trainer John Shirreffs on Friday. Previously trained by Graham Motion, Moon Over Paris was fourth in an optional claimer at 1 1/4 miles on turf as the 9-5 favorite Feb. 25, her most recent start.

◗ Shirreffs said Moon Over Paris is starting on the main track largely out of necessity. Moon Over Paris was sixth in her only previous start on dirt, a maiden race at Laurel last March.

“She’s trained well on the main track,” he said. “There aren’t really any other options.”