Santa Anita: Expectations high for Rhagori on Friday

ARCADICA, cALIF. - The American debut of Rhagori in Friday’s third race could lead to a stakes appearance in the near future.

Trainer Simon Callaghan has high expectations for the 5-year-old mare, who was purchased by Michael House at auction last December for approximately $150,000.

“She’s a filly I like,” Callaghan said. “I think she’s going to progress from this race.”

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In England, Rhagori won 4 of 14 starts. She is eligible for a first-condition optional claimer over a mile on turf Friday because her three victories against winners in England carried low prize money. The optional claimer will be Rhagori’s first start since she finished seventh in the Fleur De Lys Stakes on the all-weather synthetic rack at Lingfield last October.

Callaghan said one drawback to Friday’s race has been the recent rain.

“With the rain, we missed her last piece of work, which is slightly frustrating,” he said. “It’s the same for everyone.”

The race drew a field of eight, including Miss Well Molded, a five-time winner. Miss Well Molded won an optional claimer on Jan. 23 and was claimed for $25,000. She makes her first start for Rockingham Ranch and trainer Peter Miller on Friday, and is eligible to be claimed for $40,000.

Hollendorfer trio in San Carlos

Saturday’s $250,000 San Carlos Stakes over seven furlongs will include three runners trained by Jerry Hollendorfer – Sahara Sky, Wild Dude and Zeewat.

Sahara Sky won the 2013 San Carlos and the Metropolitan Mile Handicap at Belmont Park last May, but was last of five in the Palos Verdes. Zeewat was fourth in the Grade 2 Strub Stakes here on Jan. 18 and won the Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate Fields on Feb. 17.