Winter Memories dreaming big after her success in the Diana Handicap at Saratoga
After claiming a massive victory in the Grade 1 Diana Handicap with rider Javier Castellano on her back, Winter Memories has bigger things on her agenda. Since, she proved herself at Saratoga over the 1 1/8 mile distance; connections are preparing
her for more glory.
The daughter of El Prado, out of mare Memories Of Silver, finished the Diana Handicap by a 1 ½ length margin over, Dream Peace, while Zagora - who was defending her title – finished third on the day.
Trainer James Toner did not expect the victory, and wasn’t sure where the four-year-old should go next, as he seems to have made up his mind and the big race on his list is the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf.
The filly definitely seems capable of more victories, since she has an overall record of 8-2-0 in 12 starts with earnings worth $1,268,100.
Prior to this, she finished second to, Tapitsfly, in the Grade 1 Longines Just a Game Stakes at Belmont Park.
The form of the Phillips Racing Partnership owned filly cannot be doubted, because she secured the Grade 3 Beaugay Stakes at Belmont Park on 5th May, 2012by defeating, Gitchee Goomie, over the 1 1/16 mile distance.
The trainer discussed the performance of his charge and discussed the plan he mapped out for her, he said:
“Originally, when we started out, I wasn’t sure if it wasn’t going to be the Mile for her rather than the Filly and Mare Turf.”
He added:
“I’m even more inclined to try the Filly and Mare Turf. She’ll probably have one race prior to that, with the Flower Bowl being the most logical option. I won’t do the Ballston Spa. Been there, done that. I tried to run her back in four weeks here
last summer, and it just didn’t work out.”
After some rest, the Kentucky bred runner will be on her way to Belmont Park in September, 2012, where she will compete in the 1 1/4 mile Grade 1 Flower Bowl Stakes and the next stop after that will be Santa Anita in November.
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