Three-time Eclipse Award winner Beholder blew out three furlongs May 4 in :37 3/5 in preparation for her 2016 debut in the May 8 Adoration Stakes (gr. III) for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.
"It was just to stretch her legs," trainer Richard Mandella told the Santa Anita Park press office by phone from Kentucky. "She's had her serious works. We're excited to have her back."
Spendthrift Farm's Beholder worked a mile in company April 29 under Janeen Painter in 1:40, with fractions of :26, :38 3/5, :51, and 1:28 2/5. Stablemate Atypique got a seven-furlong time of 1:29 2/5.
Painter was also up for the May 4 move.
Among those expected to face Beholder in the Adoration is Sheer Pleasure, a California-bred daughter of Birdonthewire, who won the restricted Dream of Summer Stakes March 27 for Little Red Feather Racing or RM Racing.
"We've gotten her ready little by little," said Phil D'Amato's assistant Rudy Cruz, who was also in Kentucky. "She's better than she's ever been, so we have to give Beholder a try. It's the first time back for Beholder (since last Sept. 26), so if we're ever going to get her, this is the time."