Vasilika targets Royal Heroine after taking Buena Vista

ARCADIA, Calif. – Vasilika will run in stakes at a mile on turf in the coming months, with a possible trip to Kentucky in May, after her fifth graded stakes win in six months in Saturday’s Grade 2 Buena Vista Stakes at Santa Anita.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said on Sunday that Vasilika will be pointed for the Grade 2 Royal Heroine Stakes, a $200,000 race for fillies and mares at a mile on turf April 6. The April 6 program is highlighted by the $1 million Santa Anita Derby, a key prep for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4.

Hollendorfer said Vasilika could be sent to Kentucky for the Grade 2 Churchill Downs Distaff Turf Mile for fillies and mares May 4.

“We would consider that,” Hollendorfer said. “Who knows who will show up for that?”

A 5-year-old mare owned by Mark Schlaich, Gatto Racing, George Todaro, and Hollendorfer, Vasilika won the $201,404 Buena Vista Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths as the 4-5 favorite. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Vasilika closed from seventh in a field of nine.

Vasilika’s five graded stakes wins have ranged in distance from a mile to 1 1/4 miles. She has won three races at a mile in that span.

“I think she can run any distance,” Hollendorer said. “She guided herself. She knows where she wants to go and when she wants to do it.”

Prat has been Vasilika’s regular rider in the last year.

“For him, at least, she’s push-button,” Hollendorfer said.

Fahan Mura, the winner of the Grade 3 Robert Frankel Stakes in December, set the pace in the Buena Vista but faded to last. Trainer Vladimir Cerin said Fahan Mura has earned a vacation.

“We’ll give her a little break and bring her back in the spring,” Cerin said. “I thought she’d run better than that. She’s sound and caries good weight.”

Fahan Mura, 5, has won 9 of 25 starts and earned $782,116. She was last of 10 in the $7 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational at Gulfstream Park against males on Jan. 26.