Warren’s Veneda set for rematch with Beholder in Clement Hirsch
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
DEL MAR, Calif. – Warren’s Veneda could not lose in the winter, winning three consecutive stakes at Santa Anita. She could not win in the spring and early summer, losing three consecutive stakes.
On Saturday, Warren’s Veneda starts in her third Grade 1 race of the year in the $300,000 Clement Hirsch Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Trainer Craig Lewis is braced for a loss, though not because of Warren’s Veneda’s recent setbacks.
Lewis said Wednesday the presence of two-time champion Beholder makes the Hirsch a difficult assignment for Warren’s Veneda.
“Beholder is the best mare in the country, and we’re giving her weight,” he said. “We have to hope for the improbable.”
Under the allowance conditions of the race, Warren’s Veneda will carry 123 pounds, two pounds more than Beholder.
The Hirsch is part of the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In program, offering the winner a fees-paid berth to the BC Distaff at Keeneland on Oct. 30.
Owned by Ben Warren, Warren’s Veneda won the Grade 1 Santa Margarita Invitational at Santa Anita in March. She was fourth in the Grade 2 Great Lady M. Stakes at seven furlongs July 11 at Los Alamitos, a loss that did not upset Lewis. He said he needed to give her a start and avoid an extended layoff between a second to Beholder in the Grade 3 Adoration Stakes at Santa Anita on June 13 and the Hirsch.
“We got a nice work out of the race, and Mr. Warren got $12,000,” Lewis said.
The Hirsch has an expected field of nine, including Gusto Dolce, Honey Ride, Legacy, My Monet, My Sweet Addiction, Thegirlinthatsong, and Yahilwa.
On Wednesday, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said Sam’s Sister will not run in the Hirsch and will be pointed for the $100,000 Rancho Bernardo Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs Aug. 16.