Keri Belle, Sobradora Inc get class relief in Kathryn Crosby

DEL MAR, Calif. – It could be a fresh start. It might be the end of the line. But it will not be a surprise if Keri Belle or Sobradora Inc wins the Kathryn Crosby Stakes on Friday at Del Mar.

The four-week fall season at Del Mar opens Friday with a $75,000 restricted turf stakes for fillies and mares. Although six were entered, bettors could make it a two-horse race.

Keri Belle and Sobradora Inc are the field’s only graded or group winners; both drop from a Grade 1. Their late-season performances will determine the direction of future campaigns, if any.

Keri Belle, 6, could be nearing retirement from racing.

“It’s probably getting close to that time,” trainer John Shirreffs said, deferring final say to her owner, Jerry Moss.

Keri Belle has won 4 of 18, including the Grade 3 Megahertz in her first start this season. Relative to the Friday field, her form is strong. Keri Belle finished fourth in Grade 1 or Grade 2 races in her last two starts.

Sobradora Inc also may be near the end of her racing career. A two-time Group 1 winner in Argentina before winning her U.S. debut at Del Mar in August, Sobradora Inc finished fifth and 10th in the races Keri Belle exits. Is retirement near for Sobradora Inc?

“The next two races will determine that,” trainer Simon Callaghan said. “We are moving back down in class, and it would be nice to get her back in the winner’s circle before progressing back up to graded stakes.” Sobradora Inc would be eligible for the Grade 1 Matriarch on Dec. 4, closing day of the meet.

Keri Belle and Sobradora Inc fit the conditions of the 1 1/16-mile Kathryn Crosby. The race is restricted to fillies and mares that have not earned $50,000 by winning a stakes at a mile or more since April 1.

Keri Belle earned $60,000 winning the Megahertz in January, followed by six losses. Sobradora Inc earned $47,400 winning the Osunitas in August.

The field includes bad-luck allowance filly Amboseli, likely pacesetter Glory, Dressed to a T, and Do the Dance.

Kathryn Crosby, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Keri Belle, by Empire Maker

Last 3 Beyers: 95-91-91

◗ During summer at Del Mar, most 1 1/16-mile turf races were won by horses with Keri Belle’s closing style – 18 of 32 were won by a horse positioned three or more lengths behind on the final turn.

Sobradora Inc, by Include

Last 3 Beyers: 89-90-99

◗ Her win in the Osunitas in August at Del Mar was her fifth straight, followed by two losses in graded races.

Amboseli, by Medaglia d’Oro

Last 3 Beyers: 89-89-85

◗ She was shuffled back and lost position last out in a second-level allowance, missing by a length behind Hillhouse High, who returned to finish third in a Grade 2.

Glory, by Tapit

Last 3 Beyers: 68-68-88

◗ The only front-runner in the field, she returns to her preferred surface after a prep comeback on dirt.