Mandella eyeing Santa Monica for Bashful

ARCADIA, Calif. – The undefeated filly Bashful may have her stakes debut as early as next month after an attractive win in an allowance race at 6 1/2 furlongs last Sunday.

Trainer Richard Mandella said he is considering the Grade 2 Santa Monica Stakes for fillies and mares at seven furlongs on Feb. 16 for Bashful, who is unbeaten in two starts. Owned by Fox Hill Farm, Bashful won her debut in a maiden special weight race at five furlongs on turf at Del Mar in November.

“We’re going to look at a couple of stakes races and give her a shot,” Mandella said.

In her last start, Bashful closed from last in a field of seven with a wide rally to win by 3 1/4 lengths under jockey Mike Smith.

“It was a powerful race,” Mandella said.

Mandella also is considering Amuse for the $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes. Amuse won an allowance race at 6 1/2 furlongs for her second win in four starts here Dec. 30.