Hollywood Park: Schiaparelli to go in Royal Heroine

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Schiaparelli, the winner of Sunday’s $73,710 Great Lady M Stakes at Betfair Hollywood Park, will start around two turns for the first time in the $150,000 Royal Heroine Stakes over a mile on turf on July 6.

Schiaparelli, a 5-year-old Ghostzapper mare, won her first stakes in the Great Lady M, leading throughout to prevail by 2 1/2 lengths over Purim’s Dancer.

“She’s getting better,” trainer Mike Puype said. “I was hoping she wouldn’t have to be asked too much.”

Owned by Ran Jan Racing, Inc., Schiaparelli was fitted with blinkers and ear muffs earlier this year, which has helped her to relax, Puype said. The equipment could play a key role in whether she can be effective around two turns.

“If she can settle down a little bit, there is no reason she can’t get a mile,” he said.

Schiaparelli has won 4 of 8 starts and $184,184.