Promising filly Amapola sold, sent to Saratoga

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Amapola, who set a 4 1/2-furlong track record of 50.99 seconds in her career debut here last month, has been sold privately and is training at Saratoga, according to her former trainer, Antonio Sano.

Amapola, a 2-year-old daughter of Broken Vow, drew away to an apparent 9 3/4-length triumph to launch her career May 25. She was ultimately disqualified and placed sixth via a somewhat-controversial stewards’ decision shortly after the impressive performance, although Amapola was allowed to keep the track record.

Sano said the filly’s owner, Magic Stables LLC, sold Amapola within days of her race.

“I believe she was purchased by Gary Barber and that Bill Mott is currently training her at Saratoga,” said Sano. “She ran on a Wednesday and left our barn by the following Wednesday. I saw where she worked three furlongs in 37 [seconds] and change up at Saratoga last week. She is an extremely talented filly, the best I’ve ever trained.

“Naturally, I was disappointed to lose her, but I understand how it goes. For the owners, it was strictly a business decision.”

Sano said he does have some other promising juveniles in his barn, including Gunnevera, a son of Dialed In who finished second behind the odds-on favorite Three Rules while making his debut here last week, and Lirica, a daughter of Kantharos who also was the runner-up at first asking and will go postward as the favorite in Thursday’s sixth race.

Sano is second in the trainers’ standings with 15 wins, one fewer than Ralph Nicks, entering Thursday’s program.

Maragh working toward return

Rajiv Maragh, who has not ridden since suffering severe injuries that included four broken vertebrae and a punctured lung in a frightening spill at Belmont Park last July, continues to progress toward his return to the saddle, he said while a paddock visitor here Sunday.

“I’m back in the gym working out,” Maragh said. “I’ve come a long way since the accident but still have a ways to go. I’m not setting any timetable for returning because I don’t want to disappoint myself if it doesn’t happen. But I do fully expect to be back riding again.”

Ten nominated to Boca Chica Stakes

Only 10 fillies and mares were nominated to Saturday’s $75,000 Boca Chica Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track. Three of them – Ballet Diva, Dogwood Trail, and Eden Garden – hail from the barn of trainer Mark Casse.

Each of those three horses is owned by Jacks or Better Farm, and one or more of them may be redirected to the Grade 2 Princess Rooney on the rich Summit of Speed card the following week.

The nomination list for the Boca Chica also includes the stakes winners Moment of Delight and Savingtime. Entries for the race will be taken Wednesday.