Beholder Working Well Toward Zenyatta
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Spendthrift Farm's Beholder turned in what might end up being her final timed workout in preparation for the Zenyatta Stakes (gr .I) when she covered six furlongs in 1:12 4/5 Sept. 18 at Santa Anita Park.
The 5-year-old daughter of Henny Hughes breezed in company with stablemate Architop and was under the guidance of regular rider Gary Stevens. It was her third workout since her dominating victory in the TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar Aug. 22. She's seeking her third straight score in the Sept. 26 Zenyatta, after capturing the 2013 and 2014 editions.
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"She couldn't look better… We don't need to over-train her at this point," trainer Richard Mandella said after the eight-time grade I winner's drill, which was the fastest of 11 works at the distance Friday. "She just went a mile and a quarter a couple weeks ago. We may not even work her again before the (Zenyatta)."
Mandella also commented on recent news about Beholder pointing to take on males again in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), which was indicated by Spendthrift general manager Ned Toffey earlier in the week.
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"We're looking at the Classic, but I'm not saying we're stuck there," Mandella said. "It's hard to resist, because she's looked so good, but I always think she looks good, anyway."
Warren's Veneda, another probable entrant in the Zenyatta, also worked six furlongs Friday morning, covering the distance in 1:13 flat for trainer Craig Lewis.