Royal Delta expected to bounce back in the Fleur De Lis at Churchill Downs
Besilu Stables owned 3-year-old champion, Royal Delta, is yet to show that spark she showed in her sophomore season that won her the championship, and another thing that attributed to her becoming the Eclipse Award was a win in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic last fall at Churchill Downs.
The Bill Mott trained filly is now going to return to the Churchill Downs, which might kick start her campaign and get her back to winning ways in the Grade 2, $150,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes on 16 June, 2012.
Bred in Kentucky by Palides Investments, Royal Delta started her 2012 campaign by racing in the Grade 3 Sabin Stakes at Gulfstream Park on 25 February, 2012, under regular jockey Jose Lezcano at about 1 1/16 miles.
The 4-year-old Empire Maker filly, Royal Delta emerged as a runner up to Awesome Maria in the Grade 3 Sabin Stakes, who wrapped up proceedings in 1 minute and 42.82 seconds, as Groupie Doll finished third on the day.
Royal Delta’s early goal in the campaign was the Group 1 $10 million Dubai World Cup over the Meydan’s Tapeta surface, going 1 ¼ miles on 31 March, 2012.
The filly couldn’t cope up with the international competition that had her pegged back the entire race which resulted in a ninth place finish to winner, Monterosso.
“She just had a very poor trip in the Dubai World Cup,” remarked Benjamin Leon, owner of Besilu Stable. “I believe she’s capable of competing at that level and with a better trip I think she could have won. I’m really hoping she stays healthy and wins enough this year to be invited back again. I think she could become the first female to win the Dubai World Cup; she’s definitely of that calibre.”
Her goal for the summer season in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign on 26 August, 2012, at Saratoga Race Course, but before that she will have to get back in form, and possibly take the Fleur De Lis at about 1 1/8 miles against five other 3-year-old and above fillies and mares to feel better about her chances this campaign.
Tags: