Sobradora Inc takes next step to Breeders' Cup in John Mabee Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – Sobradora Inc erased any question about her ability to win a stakes in Southern California with a late rally in the Osunitas Stakes at Del Mar on Aug. 7. Over the next four weeks, Sobradora Inc has two chances to prove she is worthy of starting in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita on Nov. 5.

The first comes on Sunday, when Sobradora Inc will have her American graded stakes debut in the $200,000 John C. Mabee Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

“We expect to be tough in that spot,” trainer Simon Callaghan said.

After the Mabee, Sobradora Inc is scheduled to run in the Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes on Oct. 1 at Santa Anita.

Owned by Katsumi Yoshida, Sobradora Inc has won all five of her starts, including three group stakes in Argentina in the final months of 2015.

Sobradora Inc will be favored in a field of 12 for the Mabee that includes five others who have won stakes this year – Finest City, Havanna Belle, Keri Belle, Nancy From Nairobi, and Prize Exhibit. Also in the field is Elektrum, the winner of the 2015 Mabee.

KEY CONTENDERS

Sobradora Inc, by Include

Beyer: 98

◗ Sobradora Inc won the Osunitas Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on turf by a half-length. After the race, Callaghan said Sobradora Inc would not race again until the Rodeo Drive Stakes, but he changed his mind.

“She seems to be training so good,” Callaghan said. “Her breezes are perfect. She’s told us to run.”

◗ Sobradora Inc is a threat from off the pace. She displayed the same late-running style in South America last year.

“She’s always shown a turn of foot,” Callaghan said.

Fresh Feline, by Kitten’s Joy

Last 3 Beyers: 95-87-86

◗ Fresh Feline was second to She’s Not Here in the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on turf July 16, closing well to miss by a neck at 18-1.

◗ Trained by John Shirreffs, Fresh Feline has yet to win a stakes but has run well enough this year to merit support in the Mabee.

◗ Fresh Feline can race as a stalker or from the back of the field.

“We think the added distance will be a benefit,” Shirreffs said. “With turf racing, you need a little luck.”

Elektrum, by High Chaparral

Last 3 Beyers: 97-96-89

◗ Elektrum and Nancy From Nairobi are owned by Pete and Kosta Hronis and trained by John Sadler.

◗ Elektrum is winless in six starts since the 2015 Mabee. She was third in the Osunitas after fighting for the lead with a furlong remaining.

Nancy From Nairobi, by Sixties Icon

Last 3 Beyers: 94-94-97

◗ Nancy From Nairobi was third as the 2-1 favorite in the Yellow Ribbon Stakes after a poor start. She closed from last with a wide rally to miss by three-quarters of a length.

◗ Sadler expects Nancy From Nairobi to be a factor in the stretch on Sunday.

“I need pace in front,” he said.