Stablemates to Face Off in Sunshine Millions Distaff
Saturday's $300,000 Sunshine Millions Distaff at Santa Anita Park in California has drawn a top field of fillies and mare four-years-old and up, including two Steve Specht-trained runners, Antares World and Lady Railrider.
The trainer transported his charges to Santa Anita on Monday, after putting both through their paces in one mile drills at Golden Gate last week. Antares World completed the mile in 1:44.20, while Lady Railrider completed hers in 1:44.60.
Commenting on the difference in form between 4-year-old Antares World and 6-year-old Lady Railrider, Specht said he thought they were pretty evenly matched, even though Antares World beat Lady Railrider in their previous encounter.
When the duo went up against each other in a Golden Gate route in September last year, Antares World crossed the line 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Lady Railrider. However, it looks as though the gap in their form may have narrowed since then.
But their rivalry aside, Antares World and Lady Railrider will have to overcome some stiff competition in Saturday's 1/16 mile Sunshine Millions Distaff, including Evening Jewel, a 2010 Eclipse Awards nominee for Champion 3-year-old Filly.
Evening Jewel's turn in the Sunshine Millions Distaff will mark a drop in form, considering she won a couple of Gr 1 races last year, and was beaten by a short nose to finish runner-up in the epic Kentucky Oaks (Gr 1) at Churchill Downs.
Another worthy contender is Briecat, a multiple Gr 2 winner, who has come off two straight wins on dirt, and will no doubt be well-backed on Saturday. Ultra Blend has had great success against Cal-breds and could also finish in the money.
Here is the complete field for the 2011 Sunshine Millions Distaff at Santa Anita Park on Saturday:
- Camille C (CA)
- Warren's Blossom (CA)
- Briecat (FL)
- Amazing (FL)
- Antares World (CA)
- All Due Respect (FL)
- Evening Jewel (CA)
- Lady Railrider (CA)
- Ultra Blend (CA)
