Trainer John Sadler isn't as concerned about Hadl's jump from a claiming race into Sunday's $100,000 Irish O'Brien Stakes at Santa Anita as he is about the racing staying on the grass.
The race is for older California-bred fillies and mares at about 6 ½ furlongs on the turf. But rain could force the event to the main track.
"She's doing fine," Sadler said of the 6-year-old Bold Badgett mare he claimed for $62,500 on Feb. 2 for owner Clifford Pierce of Los Angeles. "I'd prefer turf, but it probably will be off the turf. She's going either way, and she's doing good. I'm hoping it's down the hill, but I guess you don't know."
A field of 10 was entered on Friday. Shalini, with Corey Nakatani aboard, and Icantgoforthat, with Pat Valenzuela riding, each carry the 121-pound top weight assignment.
In other Irish O'Brien developments, jockey Kent Desormeaux feels all he needs is a clear trip for Party Pirate, a 7-year-old Pirate's Bounty mare. He's ridden her twice before and finished fourth in the Jan. 3 Survive Stakes despite being blocked during the race.
"I've been very lucky for (trainer) Pete Levine and anytime I ride for him, I know the horse is ready," Desormeaux said. "The race sets up for her. All we've got to be is good enough."
$100,000 Irish O'Brien Stakes, California-bred fillies & mares, 4 7 up, about 6 1/2 furlongs on turf (scheduled)PP., Rider, Wgt.
1. Hadl, Victor Espinoza, 114
2. Kitty On The Track, Alex Solis, 114
3. Shalini, Corey Nakatani, 121
4. Broke In Blairsden, David Flores, 114
5. Party Pirate, Kent Desormeaux, 114
6. Icantgoforthat, Pat Valenzuela, 121
7. Jetinto Houston, Joy Scott, 114
8. Worldly Excess, Matt Garcia, 114
9. Sweetcakesanshakes, Mike Smith, 116
10. Serene In Seattle, Jose Valdivia Jr., 114
