Going Global more suited for Goldikova's distance, trainer says

ARCADIA, Calif. - The eight-time stakes winner Going Global was held out of Saturday’s Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes at 1 1/4 miles at Santa Anita for a start in the Grade 2 Goldikova Stakes at a mile on turf on Oct. 29.

The difference in the races was a deciding factor, trainer Phil D’Amato said.

“She’s going to be awfully tough at a mile,” D’Amato said. “I like that spot for her.”

D’Amato won the Rodeo Drive with Going to Vegas, who earned a fees-paid trip to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Keeneland on Nov. 5.

Going Global and Going to Vegas were second and third in the Grade 2 John Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Del Mar on Sept. 10. Going Global was beaten a half-length by Avenue de France after being steadied at the end of the backstretch.

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“I think she should have won the race at Del Mar,” D’Amato said.

Going Global worked a half-mile in 49 seconds on the infield training track at Santa Anita on Sunday.

“We have a nice Grade 2 for her next race and a nice timing perspective,” D’Amato said.

Going Global is scheduled to be sold at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale in Kentucky on Nov. 6. She will be immediately followed in the sale by Going to Vegas.

D’Amato has two other accomplished mares scheduled to be sold in Kentucky in November – Leggs Galore and Miss Bigly.

Leggs Galore, a 5-year-old California-bred mare by Bayern, has won 9 of 17 starts and earned $674,548. A five-time stakes winner, she is nominated for Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap for statebred fillies and mares at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita.

Miss Bigly won the Grade 3 Bayakoa Stakes at 1 1/16 miles for fillies and mares at Oaklawn Park in February and was later second in the Grade 1 Beholder Mile and Grade 2 Santa Margarita Stakes at Santa Anita. A 6-year-old mare, Miss Bigly has not started since the Santa Margarita in late April.

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