Sadler deciding on Stellar Wind's route to BC Distaff

ARCADIA, Calif. – Stellar Wind, the champion 3-year-old filly of 2015, is likely to have two starts before the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita in November.

Trainer John Sadler said on Wednesday that Stellar Wind is likely to start in the summer and in early autumn before the BC Distaff. Last October at Keeneland, Stellar Wind was second in the BC Distaff.

Sadler said he is likely to finalize summer race plans for Stellar Wind following a workout at Santa Anita this weekend. Options include the $750,000 Delaware Handicap at 1 1/4 miles on turf July 16, the $300,000 Clement Hirsch Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Del Mar on July 30, and the $200,000 Shuvee Handicap at 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga on July 30. The Hirsch Stakes is the next scheduled start for three-time champion Beholder.

Stellar Wind has started once this year, finishing second to Beholder in the Grade 1 Vanity Mile at Santa Anita on June 4. Sadler said he is hoping to avoid a repeat engagement against Beholder for Stellar Wind’s next start.

In the Vanity Mile, Stellar Wind closed from fourth in a field of five under jockey Victor Espinoza to finish 1 1/2 lengths behind Beholder, who was not fully extended in the stretch.

“She came out of it good,” Sadler said. “Victor was happy with her race. It was her first race back. We hope to move forward in her next race. We’d like to go more distance.”

Owned by Pete and Kosta Hronis, Stellar Wind has won 5 of 9 starts and earned $993,200. She has won four stakes, most notably the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks in April 2015.