Morning Dance should be fit for return

CYPRESS, Calif. – Morning Dance has not raced since July 29 because a suitable race has failed to fill, said trainer Phil D’Amato. Thursday at Los Alamitos, Morning Dance will finally return in an allowance race with a $62,500 claiming option at a mile.

A 4-year-old filly who races for H & E Ranch, Morning Dance won a first-condition allowance at a mile here on June 30.

“It’s a course that she’s shown she likes,” D’Amato said. “I’ve been sitting on her for a while, waiting.”

Morning Dance is part of a field of five in Thursday’s fifth race on an eight-race program. Thursday is the first day of the final week of the meeting at Los Alamitos, which ends on Sunday. The Santa Anita autumn meeting begins on Sept. 28.

KEY CONTENDERS

Morning Dance, by Broken Vow
Last 3 Beyers: 80-78-76

◗ Morning Dance finished seventh, beaten three lengths, in an optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on turf at Del Mar on July 29. She has won on turf and dirt in her nine-race career.

“I think she’s one of those horses that’s good on both surfaces, but maybe a touch better on dirt,” D’Amato said.

◗ Morning Dance worked steadily through August and early September, leading D’Amato to believe she has maintained fitness.

“She has no excuses going into this race,” he said.

◗ Morning Dance drew the outside post in Thursday’s small field. A closer, Morning Dance is likely to be in pursuit of Dominating Woman and Life’s Blessings, who have shown speed.

“She has a little tactical speed, but she’s more effective coming from off the pace,” D’Amato said.

Dominating Woman, by Dominus
Last 3 Beyers: 81-83-83

◗ Dominating Woman was fourth as the 2-1 favorite in an optional claimer at a mile on turf at Del Mar on Aug. 19 in her first start since last November. Dominating Woman was near the front on the turn, but faded to finish 2 3/4 lengths behind race winner Quebec.

◗ A 4-year-old, Dominating Woman has won 3 of 6 starts. She won a maiden special weight race at seven furlongs at Santa Anita in February 2017, and consecutive starts in optional claimers on turf at Del Mar last November.

“She’s had a couple of knee surgeries, but she’s a nice filly,” trainer Peter Miller said.

Owned by Gary Barber, Dominating Woman is entered to be claimed for $62,500. She was entered to be claimed for $80,000 at Del Mar last November in a race she won.