Family affair at Sadler shedrow

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - It may be time for trainer John Sadler to open a wing at his Hollywood Park stable just for the foals of Beverly Z.

Last week, when High Z, a 2-year-old, arrived from Galway Downs, Sadler added his fourth foal out of Beverly Z to his stable. All are owned by John Barr's Oakcrest Stable.

The rest of the team is made up of 5-year-old Waingarth, 4-year-old Zee Best, and 3-year-old Madam General.

"This is the first time I've ever had four at the track at the same time by the same mare," Sadler said.

For any owner-breeder, it would be an accomplishment to have four foals from the same mare in training simultaneously. Barr is quick to acknowledge the milestone.

"It's kind of fun to have them all here," Barr said.

During a typical morning at Sadler's barn, it is possible that one of Beverly Z's foals is on the racetrack, one is preparing to go to the track, another is getting a bath on the wash rack, and the fourth is cooling out from exercise.

One thing that has yet to happen is for all four to be trained in the same set. "I haven't done that, but I should," Sadler said.

Barr campaigned Beverly Z, a California-bred who was by Zamboni. During a 26-race career, she won seven times, including the Admirably Handicap at Golden Gate Fields. She placed in several other minor stakes races and earned $159,260, racing primarily in northern California.

"That's where she belonged," Barr said. "She was about a $40,000 to $50,000 claimer. She was reliable and very honest."

Waingarth has been Beverly Z's best foal. A Slewpy colt, he has won 3 of 22 starts and $242,988. The highlight of his career has been a victory in the 2001 Real Good Deal Stakes against California-breds at Del Mar.

Waingarth is likely to appear in an allowance race in the coming weeks. At the current Hollywood Park meet, he finished fourth in the Tiznow Stakes against statebreds April 26 and third in an optional claiming race May 14.

"He's been a good honest guy," Barr said. "Lately he's been staying sound."

Zee Best has not displayed the same class. A Smokester filly, she has one victory in four starts, a two-length score against maiden claiming company May 16. She returned to finish last of six in a starter allowance race May 31.

"She's been kind of an erratically behaved thing," Barr said.

Madam General holds more promise. Although winless in four starts, she finished a game second in a maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs June 5, her first start since January. She was bumped at the start and made a late run. Madam General is by General Meeting.

High Z is by High Brite and was scheduled to breeze at Hollywood Park this weekend. He went through his early trials at Galway Downs.

"I think he can compete down here," Barr said.

There may be more runners on the way. Beverly Z has a yearling colt by Slewpy and has an In Excess colt by her side. She is currently at Golden Eagle Farm, having been bred to General Meeting, one of the state's leading sires.

All four of Beverly Z's foals are at the track simultaneously because Barr and Sadler have exercised patience. Sadler says that Barr takes a long-term view on a horse's career.

"If I get a problem, he lets me send the horse out," Sadler said. "He gives me plenty of time."