Smith works Hard Not to Love for Beholder Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. – When she was ready, Hard Not to Love, winner of two graded stakes since Christmas, launched into a five-furlong workout on Friday morning at Santa Anita, starting slowly and finishing well in 1:01.40 without significant urging from jockey Mike Smith.

Whether Smith can ride Hard Not to Love in her next scheduled start in the Grade 1 Beholder Mile on March 14 was still unclear Friday. Smith said he is awaiting word from Saudi Arabian officials as to when he will serve a nine-day suspension for whip violations in the $20 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 29.

Smith finished second on Midnight Bisou, but was judged to have used the whip in an excessive manner.

The issue of when Smith will serve the penalty may be resolved this weekend, according to Smith and Santa Anita stewards. The stewards have been in contact with Saudi Arabian racing officials and plan more communication in coming days.

Smith said Friday he is hopeful the suspension will allow him to ride designated races, or graded stakes, such as the $400,000 Beholder Mile.

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John Shirreffs, who trains Hard Not to Love, wants Smith on the 4-year-old filly. Shirreffs said Smith’s presence is vital for Hard Not to Love, who has only one eye and can be difficult to manage in workouts and warm-ups before races.

“The question is whether I run her,” Shirreffs said.

A replacement rider would only be a temporary situation, he said.

“It would be a tough decision for me for one race,” Shirreffs said. Smith “seems to be very patient with her.”

Smith coaxed Hard Not to Love into a warm-up after a delay of several minutes before her win in the Grade 1 La Brea Stakes at seven furlongs on Dec. 28. Hard Not to Love was more cooperative before her win in the Grade 2 Santa Monica Stakes at seven furlongs on Feb. 15.

Before Friday’s workout, Hard Not to Love stood alone for a few minutes on the backstretch. Smith guided her in a circle a few times before she started the solo workout.

“She likes to observe everything, and when it’s nice and clear she takes off,” Smith said. “You’ve got to go with it.”

Shirreffs timed Hard Not to Love in 1:01.20, slightly faster than the official time.

“She worked every bit as good in this work as before her last race, even better,” Smith said.

The Beholder Mile is the top race of the winter-spring meeting for older fillies and mare on dirt. The list of candidates includes Ollie’s Candy, Queen Bee to You, Kaydetre, Der Lu, and Mother Mother.