Getback Time will try to avoid trouble

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Perhaps the six-furlong distance of Sunday's $75,000 Valkyr Stakes at Hollywood Park will be a better fit for Getback Time.

In two longer races over the last eight months, she has run exceptionally well but caused trouble that led to her disqualification.

Getback Time finished second in the California Cup Matron at 1 1/16 miles last October, but was disqualified and placed seventh for causing interference in the first turn. Getback Time won the B. Thoughtful Stakes at seven furlongs here April 29, but was disqualified and placed second for causing interference in the stretch.

"She doesn't know that she got disqualified," trainer Rafael Becerra said.

Getback Time has won 6 of 14 starts and $365,760. Never worse than second in five starts at Hollywood Park, she may inherit the role of pacesetter in the Valkyr, which drew five California-bred fillies and mares.

"She can sit anyplace you want," Becerra said.

One of Becerra's few concerns is the eight-week layoff since the B. Thoughtful, the second-longest gap between races in Getback Time's career.

"She's fresh," Becerra said. "I'm hoping I didn't wait too long with her."

The B. Thoughtful was the third consecutive race in which Getback Time had finished first. She won two seven-furlong allowance races against open company at Santa Anita in February and March.

Getback Time, 4, has drawn the outside post in the Valkyr. Her main rival is Vaca City Flyer, a mainstay in sprints in Northern California who is making a rare Southern California start. Gn. Group Meeting, Hey Hey Renee, and Lady Gamer are the other entrants.

Vaca City Flyer, 6, has won 14 of 27 starts. Owned by Jim Vlahos, Vaca City Flyer is winless in two starts this year, including a second in the Monterey Handicap at Bay Meadows on April 21.

The Valkyr is Vaca City Flyer's first start in Southern California since a fourth-place finish in the Grade 3 Las Flores Handicap at Santa Anita in February 2006.

While Vaca City Flyer has set the pace in the past, trainer Art Sherman predicts she will follow the speed on Sunday.