Hollywood Park: Arethusa earns Starlet berth with Sharp Cat romp

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Arethusa earned a start in the Grade 1 Hollywood Starlet on Dec. 7 with a powerful victory Saturday in the Sharp Cat Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. It was the first victory for Arethusa after three losses, all in maiden races.

Those maiden races, though, were solid efforts behind Be Proud and Georgia, who were the top two choices in the Sharp Cat. That, along with the small field, prompted trainer Eoin Harty and owner Darley Stable to give the 1 1/16-mile Sharp Cat a try.

“I was hoping she’d run well enough to run third,” Harty said. “Every race she’s getting better.

“I knew the distance wouldn’t be a problem. She’s a super mover. She’ll run all day. The way she runs is the way she gallops in the morning. She’s got a huge stride.”

Harty and Darley teamed to win the Sharp Cat in 2008 with Pamona Ball.

Arethusa, a Darley homebred, is by Horse of the Year A.P. Indy and is out of the Coronado Quest mare Miss Coronado, winner of the Grade 2 Davona Dale at Gulfstream Park.