Kanderel's luck turning around just in time for La Jolla Handicap
Wide trips and trouble at the start of his races plagued Kanderel last fall and winter. The 3-year-old colt is having much better journeys in his races this summer.
After winning the Alcatraz Stakes at a mile on turf on June 13 at Golden Gate Fields, Kanderel closed from 10th of 12 to finish a game second in the Oceanside Stakes on June 10 at Del Mar.
:: Start earning weekly cashback on your wagering today. Click to learn more.
Those races have led to Kanderel’s 2020 graded stakes debut in Sunday’s Grade 3 La Jolla Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on turf for 3-year-olds at Del Mar.
“The last couple of races have gone very well,” trainer Richard Mandella said Friday.
Owned by Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, Kanderel won his debut in a maiden special weight race at a mile on turf at Santa Anita last September. The Alcatraz Stakes was Kanderel’s first stakes win in his third start of 2020.
“He had a terrific race the first time out, and he had nothing but bad luck after that,” Mandella said. “Things didn’t go well in his races.”
The $125,000 La Jolla Handicap drew a competitive field of eight that includes Storm the Court, the champion 3-year-old male of 2019, and the multiple stakes winner Smooth Like Strait.
The 1 1/16 miles of the La Jolla Handicap will a new distance for Kanderel, a winner of 2 of 7 starts. A successful race Sunday could lead to a start in the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby at 1 1/8 miles on turf Sept. 6.
“I think it should help,” Mandella said of the distance.
:: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
In coming weeks, Mandella plans to start Royal Ship, a Group 1 winner in Brazil in February who recently joined his stable. Royal Ship, a 4-year-old colt by Midshipman, has won 5 of 7 starts.
Friday, Royal Ship worked seven furlongs on dirt at Del Mar in 1:24.40. Mandella timed Royal Ship galloping out a mile in 1:39.
“I’ve had him a couple of months,” Mandella said. “He looks pretty good at what we’ve asked of him.”