Paved seeks graded glory in Providencia

ARCADIA, Calif. – First, there was a comprehensive win in a maiden race on turf at Santa Anita in January. Then, she beat the boys in the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields in February.

Paved, a rapidly improving filly, is in the midst of a perfect year, and may be on the verge of her first graded stakes win in Saturday’s Grade 3 Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Santa Anita.

There were other options for Paved, notably Saturday’s Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks on dirt, but Paved prefers grass, according to trainer Michael McCarthy.

“She trains well and performs on the turf,” he said. “I think she’s better on the grass.”

Winning the $150,000 Providencia Stakes will not be easy. Fatale Bere, Ms Bad Behavior, and Pulpit Rider have won turf stakes at Santa Anita in the last seven months.

The Providencia is the fifth race on a 13-race program.

KEY CONTENDERS

Paved, by Quality Road

Last 3 Beyers: 86-88-76

◗ Owned by Ciaglia Racing and the Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners syndicate, Paved was third in two one-mile turf races for maidens last fall before the breakthrough performance in January in her third start. In the maiden race and the El Camino Real Derby on the Tapeta, Paved closed from off the pace and took a commanding lead in the final furlong.

The El Camino Real Derby was a goal for weeks for Paved.

“It was nice to see it work out,” McCarthy said.

◗ The form of the El Camino Real Derby was flattered when third-place finisher Blended Citizen returned to win the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park on March 17.

Ms Bad Behavior, by Blame

Last 3 Beyers: 80-83-81

◗ Ms Bad Behavior had her first start at a mile in the China Doll on March 10, closing from second under jockey Kent Desormeaux to win by 2 1/4 lengths as the 9-10 favorite. More distance will work in her favor, trainer Richard Baltas said.

“I’m glad I got that mile race into her,” Baltas said. “Desormeaux said she was as relaxed as can be.

“I love that she was off the lead and she was pretty push-button. She’s a pretty talented filly. I like our chances.”

Pulpit Rider, by Lucky Pulpit

Last 3 Beyers: 83-77-54

◗ Pulpit Rider won the California Cup Oaks for statebreds at a mile on turf on Feb. 19 and will have her stakes debut against open company in the Providencia. The longer distance of the Providencia will be a benefit to her, according to trainer Mike Puype.

“The way she accelerated, I think the distance will help,” Puype said. “With the caliber of open company, we’ll find out. The distance is a big part of this.”