She's a Tiger ready for Kentucky trip

ARCADIA, Calif. – She’s a Tiger, the champion 2-year-old filly of 2013, worked seven furlongs in 1:26 at Santa Anita on Thursday, her final major exercise before she is sent to Kentucky next week for her 2014 debut in the $175,000 Eight Belles Stakes at Churchill Downs on May 2.

Ridden by jockey Gary Stevens, She’s a Tiger worked alone without being urged.

“We’re trying to get her to relax,” trainer Jeff Bonde said. “She’s ready.”

[DRF Live: Get live reports and handicapping insights from Santa Anita this Saturday]

Bonde said She’s a Tiger will not wear blinkers in the Eight Belles, which is run over seven furlongs for 3-year-old fillies. She’s a Tiger did not wear blinkers in her first three starts last year, including in a win in the Landaluce Stakes and a second in the Sorrento Stakes.

She’s a Tiger wore blinkers for her final three starts, which included a win in the Del Mar Debutante and a second in the Chandelier Stakes. She wore blinkers when she finished first in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies but was disqualified and placed second for causing interference in deep stretch. Ria Antonia was promoted from second to first in the BC Juvenile Fillies.

Bonde said She’s a Tiger will be sent to Kentucky at the beginning of next week and will have her final workout before the Eight Belles at Churchill Downs.

She’s a Tiger has won 3 of 6 starts and earned $725,650 for owners Mark Dedomenico, Allen Aldrich, Lisa Hernandez, Stuart Downey, and Phil Lebherz. Bonde said the Eight Belles Stakes could lead to a start in the $750,000 Acorn Stakes for 3-year-old fillies over a mile at Belmont Park on June 7.