Grace Adler presents tall order in Chandelier
ARCADIA, Calif. – Which juvenile filly will carry her speed two turns and upset Grace Adler in the Grade 2 Chandelier Stakes on Friday at Santa Anita? It will not be easy.
Grace Adler, who trounced the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante by more than 11 lengths, stretches from seven furlongs to 1 1/16 miles as the most accomplished of seven entered in the Chandelier, a Win and You’re In for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
Most years, the Chandelier winner is easy to find. The last four, and five of six, came in off Debutante wins. However, this year’s Chandelier field includes a trio of legit upset candidates – maiden winners Ain’t Easy and Electric Ride, and Debutante runner-up Dance to the Music. The others in the field are Desert Dawn, Elm Drive, and Censorship.
Grace Adler, sired by Curlin, won her five-furlong debut by three-quarters of a length as the heavy favorite. “She had to work hard for that one,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “She came back, and we loved her race going seven-eighths.”
In the Debutante, Grace Adler lagged off a sizzling pace, looped the field and won by double digits. Circumstances were ideal, and she delivered. Flavien Prat rides her again Friday.
But the dynamics change around two turns, and a softer pace would benefit Debutante runner-up Dance to the Music. After winning her debut in front-running fashion, she pressed a blistering pace in the Debutante – 21.78 and 44.37 – and paid the price.
“They went way too fast,” trainer Mark Glatt said. “She hung in there to be a clear second. I think going long, the race will probably spread out a little. If they give her the lead, great. If they don’t, I think we can do what we want with her.”
Abel Cedillo rides Dance to the Music, who Glatt said was unphased taking dirt in a recent workout. Good thing, because the speed of the Chandelier might be the filly on the rail. Electric Ride scored an impressive debut victory at six furlongs, and will stretch out for her second start Friday. The inside post forces her hand.
“Actually I don’t mind [the rail] going long. I’m fine with it,” trainer John Sadler said. “She’s got speed. She doesn’t have to be in front, but she can be forwardly placed.”
Joe Bravo rides Electric Ride, who Sadler said is “not big, but she’s got great action. She has a fluid stride, so what’s why I think she’s going to go on.”
Another trainer who is bullish about the longer distance is Phil D’Amato. He trains Ain’t Easy, Grade 2 Sorrento winner Elm Drive, and maiden route winner Desert Dawn. Ain’t Easy won her sprint debut by more than five lengths, and should relish two turns.
“I’ve always thought distance is what she needed,” D’Amato said. “The way she’s breezed, she acts like two turns should not be an issue. To win [first out] the way she did going five and a half was a pleasant surprise. She really won under wraps, drawing away.”
Joel Rosario rides Ain’t Easy again Friday.