New Mexico star Diabolical Dame tests tougher competition

DEL MAR, Calif.- Diabolical Dame has been a star filly in New Mexico, winning five stakes in the last 15 months. For the first time in her career, Diabolical Dame will race outside of New Mexico when she starts in an optional claimer at six furlongs at Del Mar on Wednesday.

Diabolical Dame has won 10 of 14 races, and is on a seven-race winning streak. She deserves a start in California, according to new trainer Mike Machowsky.

“She acts like she’ll fit with these fillies,” Machowsky said. “She works like a stakes horse.”

Owned by Derrol Hubbard, Joe Dee Brooks, and Scott Bryant, Diabolical Dame worked five furlongs in 59 seconds at Del Mar on July 20, the fastest of 29 recorded works at the distance. The filly has won races at 5 1/2 furlongs to 6 1/2 furlongs in the last year, racing on or near the lead for trainer Todd Fincher.

Diabolical Dame was patient in her workout, Machowsky said.

“She got off five lengths behind another horse and caught up with her,” he said.

Diabolical Dame faces the unbeaten Bendable, the stakes winner My Fiona, and Luminance, who was second in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks in April 2015.

Bendable won a maiden race at 5 1/2 furlongs on June 3 and an optional claimer at six furlongs on July 1, both at Santa Anita. Trained by Richard Mandella for Claiborne Farms, Bendable, 3, is likely to race near the front.

“I couldn’t ask for more than what she’s done,” Mandella said. “She’s quick and I’m sure she’ll be right up there early.”