Going To Vegas is ready to defend her USD $250,000 John C Mabee Stakes title at Del Mar on Saturday (US Pacific Time), according to the Phil D’Amato stable.
But stablemate Going Global could have a massive say in that after her impressive 2.5 length victory in the Yellow Ribbon Handicap last start on August 13.
Regardless of who crosses the line before the other, it should be a fierce battle between the two D’Amato stars over 1 1/8 miles in the Grade 2 feature on turf.
“She is going very good. She’ll be tough to beat,” D’Amato’s assistant Ali Alshowaikh told HorseBetting.com.au when asked about Going to Vegas, with +250 odds.
The five-year-old mare is first-up after finishing second in the Group 1 Gamely Stakes at Santa Anita on May 30.
“But we have Going Global as well,” Alshowaikh said of the filly who also went to the paddock after finishing third and a length behind Going to Vegas in the same feature race.
“They’re both looking super. Vegas just had a bit of a longer break, but she’s in good form.
“She loved it (the break). She put some muscles and weight on, and she’s happy.”
Pacific Classic Stakes-winning jockey Flavien Prat will ride Going to Vegas, while Umberto Rispoli will again be aboard Going Global.
Rispoli was full of praise for the four-year-old after they combined to salute in the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap.
“She gave some pounds away and it wasn’t an easy race. When you come from a (2 ½ month) layoff it’s never easy,” the star Italian jockey told HorseBetting.com.au after the race.
“She had a tough campaign last season, so she needed a bit of rest. But she was huge.
“It’s always good when you have those type of horses to ride – you can just press the button and they go for you.”
Going Global carried 125 pounds in the Yellow Ribbon. She is down to 122 pounds for the Mabee Stakes.
“She’s in strong form,” Alshowaikh said of the -125 favorite.
Burgoo Alley, with 12/1 odds, will also line up for the D’Amato stable.
The highlight of the four-year-old filly’s career so far was a victory in the Grade 3 Autumn Miss Stakes at Santa Anita on October 30 last year.
“Burgoo Alley is looking good. Last time she ran in a Grade 2 (fourth in the Yellow Ribbon Handicap),” Alshowaikh said.
“This is an easier race for her.”
D’Amato has enjoyed a very impressive Del Mar meet so far with 16 wins.
He is just one victory behind leaders Bob Baffert and Doug O’Neill heading into the seaside venue’s final weekend of its summer carnival.
The D’Amato stable is also confident of more Stakes success in the USD $100,000 Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf, which is race seven on the card on Saturday.
Excelia (+800) and Thebestisyettobe (+400) will start this two-year-old fillies feature over one mile on turf.
“I like Thebestisyettobe, and Excelior trained good. They’ve both trained good,” Alshowaikh said.
Alshowaikh started as D’Amato’s assistant early this year and has loved working for the respected California conditioner.
“He’s a great trainer and he’s very patient with his horses,” Alshowaikh said.
“He knows what he’s doing, especially on the grass. I’m glad I’m working for him.
“He didn’t know about me until I started galloping for him. And we clicked straight away.
“It’s a great operation.”
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