Mott considers options for Elate, Blamed

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott is mulling plans for a couple of potential major contenders in the 2019 filly-mare division.

Elate, unraced since finishing second in her memorable duel with Abel Tasman in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign at Saratoga in late August, has been galloping daily at Mott’s main winter base, Payson Park. The 5-year-old mare ran just twice last year, when compromised by nagging ailments. Mott is making the Grade 1 Apple Blossom on April 14 at Oaklawn Park his tentative early-season goal, although “last year, she was a little tough to get back, so I’m not making any plans,” he said.

“I want to get her ready first,” he said.

Blamed, a winner in six of eight career starts, won the Grade 3 Comely on Nov. 23 at Aqueduct in her most recent start. Mott said the 4-year-old filly likely will run next in the Jan. 26 Hurricane Bertie on the Pegasus undercard at Gulfstream or the Grade 3 Houston Ladies Classic at Sam Houston the following day.