Harris and Gaines must pick a path for Closing Remarks
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DEL MAR, Calif. – Closing Remarks has amassed a collection of Grade 2 wins in turf stakes this year that has left the 5-year-old mare with a bevy of race options at different distances in Southern California in the next three months.
Soon, owner and breeder John Harris and trainer Carla Gaines must choose a plan. Closing Remarks won her most recent start in Saturday’s Grade 2 John C. Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf for fillies and mares at Del Mar, a win that could lead to a start in the Grade 2 Rodeo Drive Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf at Santa Anita.
The winner of the $300,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes receives a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at 1 1/4 miles on Nov. 4 at Santa Anita.
“I think it would make sense,” Gaines said.
Alternatively, Closing Remarks could run in the Grade 2 Goldikova Stakes at a mile on turf for fillies and mare on Nov. 5 at Santa Anita, a potential prep for the Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile on turf on Dec. 3 at Del Mar.
Gaines said Sunday that Harris will make the call.
“If he wanted to run in the Breeders’ Cup, I would,” Gaines said.
Closing Remarks, a California-bred by Vronsky, won the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on turf on Aug. 12 at Del Mar.
The Yellow Ribbon was the first start for Closing Remarks since she finished a troubled sixth in the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes on May 29 at Santa Anita, clipping heels with a rival in the stretch.
The Gamely Stakes was the sixth start of the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting for Closing Remarks. The loss led to a brief vacation.
“She needed a little break,” Gaines said. “She drew up on me pretty good.”
With the win in the Mabee, Closing Remarks became the first filly or mare to sweep the two primary turf stakes for the division at the Del Mar summer meeting since Precious Kitten in 2007.
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