Spanish Queen eyes Belmont Oaks Invitational

ARCADIA, Calif. – California-based turf filly Spanish Queen is headed east for a July 4 showdown with the undefeated New York-based Lady Eli.

The top turf filly in the West following a decisive victory in the Grade 1 American Oaks last Saturday at Santa Anita, Spanish Queen will aim for the Grade 1, $1 million Belmont Oaks Invitational at Belmont Park, where she is expected to meet Lady Eli.

Trainer Richard Baltas initially planned to keep Spanish Queen in California for the summer turf series at Del Mar. However, Spanish Queen came out of her American Oaks victory in top shape. She already acts like she is ready for more.

“She’s full of energy, she’s sound, and she jogged a mile and a half [Thursday] on the training track,” Baltas said.

Spanish Queen’s victory in the 1 1/4-mile American Oaks was her third win from four starts, all at Santa Anita.

Bred in California, Spanish Queen is owned by a partnership that includes Harry Bederian, Harout Kamberian, and Jack Nakkashian. After discussing options with the owners this week, plans now call for the 1 1/4-mile Belmont Oaks, “if we get an invitation,” Baltas said.

“The positives are the money and the fact she might be the best 3-year-old filly on numbers out there,” Baltas said. “And she’s still learning. The negatives are she has to ship. She’s never shipped before. I don’t think that will be a problem.”

Spanish Queen earned a 97 Beyer Speed Figure in winning the American Oaks by three-quarters of a length. Lady Eli, 5 for 5 after winning the
$200,000 Wonder Again last Sunday at Belmont, has a top Beyer of 96 earned in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita. Lady Eli is trained by Chad Brown.

Brice Blanc, who has ridden Spanish Queen in each of her starts and works her regularly, said she is maturing mentally.

“She’s not very big, but she’s not chicken,” Blanc said. “She’s got different gears and is getting a lot more confident in herself.”

Spanish Queen won the American Oaks despite getting keen early and having her saddle slip slightly. Baltas said, “It’s not like she’s had perfect trips.”

A start in the Belmont Oaks would not preclude a start at Del Mar. The Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks will be run Aug. 15.