Signaling readiness to defend her title in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I), two-time champion Royal Delta zipped a half-mile in :46.52 at Belmont Park the morning of Oct. 26.
The time for the breeze by the Besilu Stables runner was fastest of 38 working at that distance.
A 5-year-old daughter of Empire Maker trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Royal Delta leads the six-horse field expected to go to the post in the Nov. 1 Distaff at Santa Anita Park. Royal Delta won the race the past two years when run as the Ladies' Classic. The mare was honored with the Eclipse Award in each of those years.
The Distaff will mark a rematch of Royal Delta with Princess of Sylmar, who defeated the champion in the Beldame Invitational (gr. I) at Belmont Park last out.
