My Palmilla makes quick jump to stakes
DEL MAR, Calif. – My Palmilla recovered so rapidly from a win in her debut at Del Mar on July 16 that she persuaded trainer Mark Glatt to enter her in Friday’s $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes at Del Mar.
“I tried to find any reason not to run her back,” Glatt said. “She breezed well, she’s eating, and she didn’t lose any weight. She’s bounced back extremely well. I had the option to wait, but I couldn’t see any reason not to run her back. I realized it’s a little quick, but I’ll take a chance.”
The CTBA Stakes is run at 5 1/2 furlongs and is the first stakes of the year for California-bred or California-sired 2-year-old fillies in Southern California. My Palmilla, who races for Linear Bannasch and Rodney Orr, is one of six fillies in a field of 10 who won their last start.
KEY CONTENDERS
My Palmilla (Beyer: 61)
◗ My Palmilla won the first 2-year-old maiden race of the meeting. Racing at five furlongs, My Palmilla broke from post 2, raced just behind the pace, and won by a half-length over Reckless Charm, who is part of the CTBA field.
◗ My Palmilla was bred in Washington but is eligible for the CTBA Stakes because her sire, Tribal Rule, stands in California.
◗ Glatt was encouraged that the filly kept her composure at the gate in the maiden race despite a delay with one of the other runners.
“She had to stand in the gate forever,” he said. “She broke decently. To be between horses and fight off the rail horse, to me that showed a lot of determination. I thought it was extremely impressive.”
Obey (Beyer: 61)
◗ Obey led throughout a maiden race for California-bred fillies at Santa Anita on June 25, winning by 2 3/4 lengths.
◗ Trained at San Luis Rey Downs by Sam Scolamieri, Obey was purchased privately last year by owner Ted Serna.
“She’s going into the race really fresh,” Scolamieri said. “It’s been five weeks between races, and I like that, especially with a good horse. I think she’s got a lot more confidence.”
◗ The pace on Friday is expected to be brisk. Among those capable of setting the pace are Aiming Straight and Just Google Me, maiden-race winners at Los Alamitos earlier this month, and Ibelievewewillwin, who was second in the Juan Gonzalez Stakes at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meeting July 4. Scolamieri said Obey is not reliant on getting the lead.
“My problem is that I have a tough time gauging Los Alamitos speed, Del Mar speed, and Santa Anita speed,” Scolamieri said. “I don’t believe she has to have it.”
She’s a Classic (Beyers: 50-9)
◗ After a sharp maiden-race win by four lengths against California-breds at Santa Anita in April, She’s a Classic was sixth of seven in the Landaluce Stakes against open company June 21. She’s a Classic was steadied at the start and was never a factor, losing by 17 1/4 lengths.
◗ Trained by Ed Freeman, she has had one workout since the race.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 1 Ibelievewewillwin. Trainer Marty Jones is 8-0-0-1 over the past five years at Del Mar. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan
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DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 4 Baby Bea Scattin. Half-sister to a couple prolific winners, 10 for 24 Honey Hues ($328K) and 7 for 17 Parktown ($56K). Click for more details. – Mike Hogan