Malathaat likely for Tempted

ELMONT, N.Y. – Malathaat, a 2-year-old daughter of Grade 1 winners Curlin and Dreaming of Julia, made a smart-looking debut Friday at Belmont Park, winning a seven-furlong race by 1 1/4 lengths over highly regarded Caramel Swirl.

After pressing a modest opening quarter, Malathaat took a short lead in the middle of the far turn. Confronted and briefly passed by Caramel Swirl, Malathaat battled back along the inside and outfinished Caramel Swirl. Malathaat covered the seven furlongs in 1:23.37 and earned a 77 Beyer Speed Figure.

“She trained very well and ran to her training and looks like one that will appreciate more distance,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “She fought back and came to the wire with her ears pricked.”

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Malathaat, who gave jockey John Velazquez his 2,000th career win at Belmont Park, was a $1.05 million yearling purchase by Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell Stable. Pletcher trained the mare, Dreaming of Julia, who was a Grade 1-winning 2-year-old, taking the Frizette at Belmont.

Pletcher said Malathaat could be pointed to the $100,000 Tempted Stakes , a one-mile stakes, on Nov. 6 at Aqueduct and then possibly the Grade 2, $150,000 Demoiselle Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on Dec. 5 at Aqueduct.

“Two turns is ultimately what she’s looking for,” Pletcher said.