More-mature Barleysugar a threat in John Mabee Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – Barleysugar, who runs in Saturday’s Grade 2 John Mabee Stakes on turf at Del Mar, has matured this season, trainer Ed Freeman said.

Last year, the Irish-bred Barleysugar won her American debut in the Sandy Blue Handicap but lost her next four starts, including a close third in the Grade 3 Autumn Miss Stakes last October at Santa Anita.

This year, Barleysugar was sixth in an optional claimer at Santa Anita in March and did not start again until she won an optional claimer at a mile on turf here Aug. 12.

“I think she’s grown up,” Freeman said Wednesday. “Last year, she was difficult to rate and train. This year, she has been much, much better. She switched off in the allowance race. That’s the key to not be rank early.”

Barleysugar was ridden by Kent Desormeaux on Aug. 12, but will be ridden by Tyler Baze in the $200,000 Mabee Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on turf. Desormeaux is booked to ride Decked Out, who won the Grade 1 American Oaks at Santa Anita last December. Barleysugar was fifth in the American Oaks, beaten two lengths.

“She’s not far behind the rest of the horses and she deserves a chance,” Freeman said. “She’s doing well and she’s here.”

Barleysugar is part of a projected field of 13 that includes Cambodia, winner of the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap here Aug. 5, and Madame Stripes, who won the restricted Osunitas Stakes on July 21.

Barleysugar is owned by Jed Cohen’s Red Baron’s Barn. Monday, Cohen has Tatters to Riches in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity for 2-year-olds, the top race on the final day of the summer meeting.

Saturday’s main race is the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante for 2-year-old fillies at seven furlongs. Spectator, winner of the Grade 2 Sorrento Stakes, is the likely favorite in an expected field of eight.