Gate to Paradise ready for highly anticipated debut
She was a topic of widespread discussion at an auction in March, and has gained attention in California this summer.
The career debut of Gate to Paradise is set for a maiden race at Del Mar Sunday, and the 2-year-old filly’s progress of late has left trainer John Shirreffs bullish about her chances.
“She has a way of getting over the ground that is effortless when you watch her,” Shirreffs said. “We’re looking forward to her race. She’s trained well for the race.”
Owned by Lee and Susan Searing’s CRK Stable, Gate to Paradise, by Arrogate, was purchased for $950,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s March Sale, the second most-expensive filly of the three-day auction.
Gate to Paradise, who will be ridden by Mike Smith, worked five furlongs in 59.60 seconds at Del Mar last Sunday, her final major exercise before Sunday’s race.
Shirreffs expects Smith to have Gate to Paradise in a stalking position.
“I would have to think she would want to lay close and be comfortable,” he said.
The maiden race, run at 5 1/2 furlongs, drew a field of 14, but will be limited to 10 starters. Gate to Paradise is one of nine first-time starters in the main field, with three more on the also-eligible list.
Thermal, by Nyquist, is in the main field for her debut for trainer John Sadler. Purchased for $625,000 as a yearling last August, Thermal is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Café Society, who won her first start at Belmont Park in 2020.
Peter Miller has two first-time starters with recent quick works – Acoustic Melody, by Arrogate, and Into Yellowstone, by Maximus Mischief.
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