At Hollywood Park on Thursday, La Brea S. (G1) queen DEAREST TRICKSKI
(Proudest Romeo) worked six panels in a bullet 1:12, best of 10 moves at the
distance on the Cushion Track, with Hall of Famer Mike Smith aboard. A game
winner of the Rancho Bernardo H. (G3) last time out, the John Sadler pupil is
tuning up for the Filly & Mare Sprint.
Also for Sadler, Sorrento S. (G3) victress EVITA ARGENTINA (Candy Ride
[Arg]) clocked 1:12 1/5 beneath Alex Solis. The chestnut, who suffered her first
loss when fourth in the Del Mar Debutante S. (G1), has the Juvenile Fillies (G1)
as her first preference, but is also pre-entered to the Juvenile Fillies Turf.
“They went very well,” Sadler said. “I’m very happy.”
At Belmont Park, Beverly D. S. (G1) heroine MAURALAKANA (Fr) (Muhtathir
[GB]) strolled three furlongs in :39 on the fast track. The Christophe Clement
mare, who is coming off a runner-up effort in the Flower Bowl Invitational (G1),
is aiming for the Filly & Mare Turf (G1).
On the firm turf at Keeneland, leading Turf Sprint contender MR.
NIGHTLINGER (Indian Charlie) drilled a half-mile around the dogs in :49 4/5
beneath jockey Jamie Theriot. The Bret Calhoun charge is riding a five-race
winning streak, including the Shakertown S. (G3), Aegon Turf Sprint S. (G3) and
most recently the Arlington Sprint H.