Stellar Wind might switch to turf stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Stellar Wind, who rose to the top of the 3-year-old filly division before finishing fourth as the favorite in the Kentucky Oaks, will be considered for a turf campaign this summer, trainer John Sadler said. After back-to-back Grade 1 wins in California, including the Santa Anita Oaks, Stellar Wind had a tough trip in Kentucky.

The 3-for-5 filly bounced back quickly and has resumed serious training. But her first work back was not on dirt. With the summer stakes schedule in California heavily slanted toward grass, Sadler was looking to expand his options by switching surfaces for the workout.
Sadler said she worked a half-mile in 49 seconds; clockers gave her three furlongs in 37.80.

Sadler said the turf work was to “look at more possibilities, twice as many races.” The Grade 2 Summertime Oaks on dirt June 20 at Santa Anita remains under consideration. “Either that or save her for Del Mar,” Sadler said.

The two main grass races for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar are the Grade 2 San Clemente on July 19 and the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks on Aug. 15.

Stellar Wind was sired by Curlin and is the first foal produced by the turf filly Evening Star.