Sheer Drama impresses in workout for La Troienne

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Sheer Drama, the runaway winner of the Grade 2 Royal Delta Stakes here March 21, turned in the work of the morning at Gulfstream Park on Friday. The homebred daughter of Burning Roma cruised through a half-mile in 48.57 seconds, completing her final quarter in 23.97 while finishing in hand and into a stiff headwind. She galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.54 and pulled up six panels in 1:15.72.

Trainer David Fawkes said afterward that he is pointing the steadily improving Sheer Drama to the Grade 1 La Troienne at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day, May 1.

“It looks like that should be a good spot for her,” said Fawkes, “especially with Untapable running in the race at Oaklawn [on Saturday].”

Prior to her runaway victory over House Rules in the Royal Delta, Sheer Drama finished second behind that same rival in a controversial edition of the Grade 3 Rampart here four weeks earlier. Sheer Drama had to steady sharply over the heels of House Rules when attempting to rally near midstretch. A claim of foul by the rider of Sheer Drama, Joe Bravo, was dismissed by the stewards. Fawkes filed a formal protest of that decision that was denied several days later.

Fawkes said he plans to train Sheer Drama up to the La Troienne at Gulfstream before either vanning or flying her to Churchill Downs the week of the race.