Santa Anita: Belle of the Fleet set for 3-year-old debut in Friday optional claimer

ARCADIA, Calif. – Belle of the Fleet ran sixth in the Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita last September, a loss that led trainer Dan Hendricks to give the filly a chance to grow and mature.

Belle of the Fleet met him halfway.

“She didn’t grow up real big, but she has matured a bit,” Hendricks said.

Hendricks will get an indication of Belle of the Fleet’s status when she makes her 3-year-old debut in an optional claimer over six furlongs at Santa Anita on Friday. Belle of the Fleet is the only runner with stakes experience in the field of five.

Belle of the Fleet, who races for breeders Priscilla Webb and Tom Traver, won a maiden race over 5 1/2 furlongs in her second career start at Del Mar last September. In the Chandelier Stakes over 1 1/16 miles, she broke slowly and never was a factor, finishing 28 1/2 lengths behind the victorious Secret Compass. She’s a Tiger, second in that race, was later named champion 2-year-old filly.

Hendricks said Belle of the Fleet was not injured in the Chandelier.

“She came out of it all right, but she’s not a big filly,” he said. “I thought she’d be best with a couple of months off. I think she’s ready to go Friday.”

Joe Talamo, who was aboard for Belle of the Fleet’s three races last year, has the mount. Hendricks said Belle of the Fleet has speed, which she showed in her maiden win.

“She’s a lot more rateable and rideable in the afternoon,” he said. “She’s a handful in the morning.”

Three of the other four runners in Friday’s race won their most recent start. Midnight Dream, trained by Bob Baffert, won a maiden race over 5 1/2 furlongs in her third career start Jan. 19. She will be ridden by Mike Smith and will attract ample support.

D’ya Knowwhatimean and Find Your Spot won races for claimers in January.

D’ya Knowwhatimean won a $50,000 claimer over 5 1/2 furlongs Jan. 23 and was claimed by Peter Miller. Find Your Spot won a starter allowance for former claimers at Golden Gate Fields on Jan. 30. Friday’s race is her first in Southern California.

Bosserette, ninth in an optional claimer on turf Jan. 19, will be a longer price.