Unique Bella still points to Santa Anita Oaks, Kentucky Oaks

ARCADIA, Calif. – Unique Bella, alone at the top of the 3-year-old filly division, was alone in her workout Sunday morning at Santa Anita, where she cruised six furlongs in 1:11.20.

Prior to the workout, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer reiterated plans for Unique Bella that call for her to race in her division. “We’re not going in the Santa Anita Derby,” he said.

Unique Bella worked by herself under exercise rider Edgar Rodriguez minutes before 8 a.m. The workout was five furlongs in 59 seconds; her official workout time was six furlongs in 1:11.20.

“She went five-eighths,” Hollendorfer said. “The clockers asked if I wanted the ‘six time,’ so we took the six-time. I got her out seven-eighths in 1:25.35.”

Unique Bella has won four straight, including three graded stakes, and is expected to be heavily favored in her next start on April 8. “If she continues like she is now, then she’s on target for the Santa Anita Oaks,” Hollendorfer said.

Every time Unique Bella works and another top 3-year-old colt misfires, Hollendorfer is asked if the Santa Anita Derby is an option. The answer Sunday was the same as always: Unique Bella’s targets are the Santa Anita Oaks and Kentucky Oaks.

“I haven’t had anyone chirping at me to run in the Santa Anita Derby except for people that have nothing to do with the horse,” Hollendorfer said.

Hollendorfer, and Unique Bella’s owner Don Alberto Stable, each already have a Santa Anita Derby probable starter. Hollendorfer trains Battle of Midway for owner Rick Porter. Don Alberto Stables owns Reach the World, trained by Bob Baffert.

Battle of Midway worked a half-mile in 47.60 Sunday morning.

Hollendorfer-trained Songbird remains in light training, but is not ready yet for her first workout. “Songbird is on a training program, and when she is ready to breeze, we will breeze her,” Hollendorfer said. “Nobody is worried about anything.”