Taris Could Opt for Triple Bend Over Vanity
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Photo: Coady Photography/Churchill Downs
Taris wins the Humana Distaff Stakes (gr. I)
Although a showdown with champions Beholder and Stellar Wind in the June 4 Vanity Mile (gr. I) has been the plan for Taris for a while, trainer Simon Callaghan said he's having second thoughts about the next landing spot for the Flatter mare.
After watching Taris work five furlongs in 1:01 1/5 May 27 at Santa Anita Park, Callaghan said the millionaire mare is now under consideration for the June 25 Triple Bend (gr. I) at seven furlongs against males.
Taris—owned by Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and John Magnier—has won three graded stakes since late November, including her first grade I in a standout Humana Distaff Stakes (gr. I) score at Churchill Downs May 7. The Distaff was also at seven furlongs, and her impressive 5 3/4-length margin of victory may have swayed Callaghan's opinion. Although she has won going two turns—she was 5 1/4 lengths ahead of the field in the 1 1/16-mile La Canada (gr. II) in January—her four other graded stakes wins have been around one turn.
BALAN: Taris Dominant in Humana Distaff
"The Vanity has been the plan, but we've been giving it some thought," the trainer said. "Keeping her at seven-eighths is probably her best distance and she'll get some weight concessions from the colts."
As for Friday's drill, Callaghan was happy with what he called a "maintenance breeze" and has also been pleased with how she shipped home from Churchill.
"She's exactly where we want her. We're really happy," Callaghan said. "She ships perfectly. She really doesn't get fazed by it and doesn't lose any weight. I think she enjoys it. She's got such a good disposition. She eats, sleeps, and is laid back wherever she is."