Kristi's Tiger returns from rest

In late September, Kristi’s Tiger led briefly in a six-furlong allowance race for California-bred fillies and mares at Santa Anita before finishing second as the 8-5 favorite. Kristi’s Tiger hasn’t raced since, and on Sunday starts in a similar race.

The seven-furlong distance is a slight concern for trainer Ray Bell.

“I’m happy about everything but the distance,” Bell said Friday. “I’d prefer something shorter. Seven-eighths can be a taxing distance.”

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A winner of 3 of 9 starts, all for owners Richard Bell and Clark Brewster, Kristi’s Tiger was given a rest in the autumn “to freshen her and put some weight on her,” Ray Bell said.

Kristi’s Tiger has drawn the outside post in a field of seven. Umberto Rispoli, who was aboard when Kristi’s Tiger won a starter allowance at Del Mar in August and for the Sept. 26 race, retains the mount.

“She’s doing really well,” Ray Bell said. “She’s a filly that seems to give 100 percent. The rider seems to make the right decisions. Going in, I feel fairly confident.”

From an outside post, Bell envisions Rispoli having options whether to position Kristi’s Tiger near the front or as a stalker.

“She’s versatile in that respect,” he said. “She can lay off the pace.”

Kristi’s Tiger’s opponents include Silk From Heaven and La Aguililla, who were first and second in an allowance race for statebred fillies and mares at six furlongs on turf on Dec. 31. Silk From Heaven is entered to be claimed for $20,000 on Sunday under the race’s optional-claiming condition.