Stellar Wind could prep over the track for BC Distaff

ARCADIA, Calif. – Stellar Wind’s first start against older fillies and mares will be in Kentucky. The question is – which race?

Stellar Wind is based at Santa Anita, but trainer John Sadler said the 3-year-old filly will skip the Grade 1 Zenyatta Stakes on Saturday, and run in either the Grade 1 Spinster at Keeneland on Oct. 4 at Keeneland or train into the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

“I got a little behind the clock,” Sadler said Tuesday. “She got off her feed a little bit, and just a little backed up.”

Stellar Wind has won 5 of 7 starts, including the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks.

She has made just two starts after finishing fourth in the Kentucky Oaks. She won the Grade 2 Summertime Oaks in June at Santa Anita, and the Grade 3 Torrey Pines in her most recent start Aug. 30 at Del Mar.

Sadler said the 3-year-old filly had an unrecorded workout Sept. 12. She worked a half-mile Sept. 19 in :47.80 and will breeze again this weekend.

“We’ll breeze her Saturday, and if she goes to the Spinster she’ll stay [in Kentucky],” Sadler said. “And if she doesn’t go to the Spinster, she’ll train up to the Breeders’ Cup. She runs well fresh, and she runs good every time.”

Hronis Racing purchased Stellar Wind privately following a maiden win in December at Laurel. Since then, she has won four races and $526,000 from five starts for Sadler. The best could still be ahead for the daughter of Curlin.

“I think her best chance is going to be next year,” Sadler said.

A small field is taking shape for the Zenyatta, in which Beholder is expected to be heavily favored. Warren’s Veneda, My Sweet Addiction, and Oscar Party are confirmed starters. Yahilwa is expected to wait for the Spinster.