Vasilika takes the easier spot in Goldikova Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Vasilika was kept out of the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Churchill Downs on Saturday to remain in California for the Grade 2 Goldikova Stakes at Santa Anita on Sunday.

Even before the weekend began, the decision looked wise. The 4-year-old Vasilika was not nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program as a weanling. Her owners would have been forced to pay a $100,000 nomination fee to make her eligible.

Then, there is the subject of the turf courses. Rain left the Churchill Downs surfaced soaked earlier this week. The course at Santa Anita will be firm on Sunday.

“We thought she wouldn’t run as good on soft turf,” trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said on Thursday from Kentucky.

“It’s possible that we made the right decision.”

Vasilika will be a heavy favorite in the $200,000 Goldikova Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile on turf and has every right to be. She has won seven consecutive starts and is in peak form, with recent wins in the Grade 2 John Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Del Mar on Sept. 1 and the Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes at 1 1/4 miles at Santa Anita on Sept. 29. Flavien Prat rode her in both races and has the mount Sunday.

“I think she ran well in both,” he said. “I thought that Prat rode her with confidence in both races.”

There are eight fillies and mares entered in the Goldikova, including the multiple stakes winners Cambodia, I’m Betty G, La Sardane, Lull, and Madame Stripes.

The Goldikova is part of a 10-race program on the final day of the track’s autumn meeting. First post is 11 a.m. Pacific. There is a mandatory payout of the Rainbow 6 on Sunday (races 5-10). If it is not hit on Friday or Saturday, the jackpot carryover is expected to top $1 million, with the pool possibly reaching $6 million.

Del Mar opens its autumn meeting on Friday.

KEY CONTENDERS

Vasilika, by Skipshot
Last 3 Beyers: 98-98-91

◗ The Goldikova will be Vasilika’s first start at as short as a mile since a win in an allowance race with a $100,000 claiming option at Del Mar on July 21. Vasilika, who races for Hollendorfer, All Schlaich stables, Gatto Racing, and George Todaro, was claimed for $40,000 in February and subsequently has earned $471,528.

◗ Vasilika has a consistent style, closing from off the pace, often with a wide rally.

“We think she’s been doing well,” Hollendorfer said. “We think she can adjust to the cutback in distance. I think she can run any distance.”

Cambodia, by War Front
Last 3 Beyers: 96-96-95

◗ Cambodia won the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap at 1 1/16 miles at Del Mar on Aug. 4 before finishing second in the Mabee and third in the Rodeo Drive. This will be Cambodia’s first start at a mile since she finished seventh, beaten two lengths after a wide trip, in the Grade 1 Just a Game Stakes at Belmont Park on June 9.

Fahan Mura, by English Channel
Last 3 Beyers: 96-95-96

◗ After finishing third in the Mabee, Fahan Mura won her second stakes in three starts in the restricted Swingtime Stakes at a mile on turf here Oct. 7. Fahan Mura has won six of her last eight starts, rising from being a $32,000 claimer. She is a confirmed front-runner.

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