Against a tough field, she will attempt to become the eighth South American mare to claim the prestigious race this Saturday
ARCADIA, California (Special for Turf Diario) – Amid a weekend full of graded stakes action in the United States, the Chilean mare Richi will look to become the eighth South American winner of the Beholder Mile Stakes (G1, 1600m, dirt, US$300,000 purse), set to take place this Saturday at Santa Anita Park.
Dulcia (Arg-Gran Atleta, 1975), Infinidad (Chi-Mr. Long, 1987), Bayakoa (Arg-Consultant's Bid, 1989), Paseana (Arg-Ahmad, 1992), Re Toss (Arg-Egg Toss, 1993), Potridee (Arg-Potrillazo, 1994), and Riboletta (Brz-Roi Normand, 2000) are the South American mares that have previously claimed the top spot in the event once known as the Vanity Handicap, a feat Richi now hopes to repeat.
Trained by Bob Baffert and with Antonio Fresu confirmed to ride, the bay filly, co-owned by Stud Vendaval and Hill'n'Dale Equine Holdings, has been making waves in the United States. Earlier this year, in just her second start, she won the Las Flores Stakes (G3), returning off a layoff.
However, in her most recent outing, Richi finished third behind Kopion (Omaha Beach) in the Santa Monica Stakes (G2) over 1400 meters, not quite living up to expectations. She will now be looking to return to her peak form.
Richi enters the race as a 2/1 morning-line contender, second only to the rising Cavalieiri (Nyquist), another Baffert trainee who remains unbeaten in three starts, with her most recent victory in the La Canada Stakes (G3), marking her debut at the graded stakes level.
In what promises to be a highly competitive race, Richi will also face Tarifa (Bernardini), from Godolphin, one of the top fillies of 2024. Tarifa’s resume includes wins in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2), Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), and Mother Goose Stakes (G2), with her most recent performance a second-place finish in the Falls City Stakes (G3).
Representing Haras Don Alberto will be Alpha Bella (Justify), with Héctor Berríos aboard, completing the Chilean contingent. The talented chestnut filly recently finished second in both the Zenyatta Stakes (G2) and Bayakoa Stakes (G2), as well as in the aforementioned La Canada Stakes, highlighting her potential danger.
De Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief) has long been expected to achieve great things, and it would not be a surprise if she wins. The same could not be said for Ultimate Authority (Practical Joke), who would be considered a surprise victor if she comes out on top.
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