Mabee makes two in a row for Black Mamba

DEL MAR, Calif. - Consecutive wins by Black Mamba, the most recent of which was Sundays $400,000 John Mabee Handicap at Del Mar, have left her a contender for the major stakes this fall, provided her owners are willing to pay humungous supplemental fees.

Black Mamba unleashed a strong rally in the final furlong of the Grade 1 Mabee to win by a half-length over 24-1 I Can See. Passified, the pacesetter, finished third in the field of eight fillies and mares.

Jockey Garrett Gomez had Black Mamba on the rail to the final furlong before finding room outside Passified and quickly getting a response.

I was a little worried I was in there too long, Gomez said. She showed a nice turn of foot.

Black Mamba ($3.80) ran 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:47.11.

The question now is whether Black Mamba will be supplemented to the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf for $300,000 at Santa Anita on Oct. 24. Black Mambas win in the Grade 1 Mabee assured her of an automatic berth to the Filly and Mare Turf, subject to the payment of entry fees. The Mabee was part of the Breeders Cups Win and Youre In program.

After the race, trainer John Sadler said she may be supplemented to the Filly and Mare Turf by owners Doubledown Stables. Gomez would endorse that plan. He has been aboard Black Mamba for her only American stakes wins, the first of which was the Grade 2 Beverly Hills Handicap at Hollywood Park on June 29. Bred in New Zealand, Black Mamba has made 10 starts in this country.