Trainer Simon Callaghan counting on Imperialistic Diva to land the John Mabee Stakes at Del Mar
Trainer Simon Callaghan was counting on his charge, Belle Royale, to earn a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf, but that will remain a distant dream since she was retired prematurely due to an injury she sustained.
The trainer was counting on the four-year-old but her retirement has left a gap, which will not be easy to fill. Callaghan told the press that:
“It was frustrating because she was such a nice filly.” He also stated: “We were so close to the Breeders’ Cup. You can’t dwell on it.”
Owned by Michael B. Tabor, the daughter of Val Royal was on a five race winning streak, including victories in the American Beauty Stakes and the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes at Betfair Hollywood Park.
Since the star of his stable is completely out of the picture, the handler has to resort to other means.
He is considering the 4-year-old, Imperialistic Diva, and is hoping that she might earn a trip to Santa Anita in November.
Before that, she has to prove herself in the Grade 2, $250,000 John Mabee Stakes, which will be hosted at Del Mar on 12th August, 2012.
The four-year-old filly has large shoes to fill and her record is far from impressive since in 19 starts, she holds an overall record of 3-4-1.
Owned by Charles Winner, she succeeded in an Allowance Optional Claimer at Betfair Hollywood Park in May, 2012. Prior to that win, she downed the Allowance Optional Claimer in December, 2011, and the Maiden Weight For Age in June, 2010.
Byrama could be the next best horse in Callaghan’s string, and she will get a chance to demonstrate what she is made of when she takes on the competition in the $85,000 Sandy Blue Handicap on 17th August, 2012, at Del Mar.
Foaled by Darshaan mare, Aymara, the filly has a record of 3-2-3 in 9 starts and has the potential to become the best horse in Callaghan’s stable.
The 29-year-old trainer will be trying his luck with his b-team, since he always had a horse he could count on. Last year, it was Dubawi Heights and this year, Belle Royale. Now he just has to work with what he has.
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