Sheer Drama On Fence for 'Summit of Speed'
Image:
Description:
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Sheer Drama wins the Madison Stakes
Harold Queen's homebred Sheer Drama galloped at Gulfstream Park the morning of June 26, but remains on the fence for the $250,000 Princess Rooney Stakes (gr. II) July 2 at the Florida racetrack.
Trainer David Fawkes scheduled an "open gallop" for the 6-year-old Burning Roma mare, who finished fifth in the grade I Ogden Phipps Stakes at Belmont Park in her last start June 11. Sheer Drama, a winner of $1,688,540 in 23 starts, has won grade I stakes from seven furlongs (the Madison at Keeneland in April) to 1 1/4 miles (the Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park last year).
The Princess Rooney, at seven furlongs, is part of the $1.125 million "Summit of Speed" program at Gulfstream. The winner earns an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (gr. I).
"She ran a little bit down the lane." Fawkes said. "She went (:26) down the lane. I just didn't want to do much with her. She just ran. I didn't see any point in breezing her.
"I haven't decided yet (on the Princess Rooney). I'm going to wait—give her a day—to decide. It's kind of close off the other race. I'll talk to Mr. Queen."
Sheer Drama finished fourth in last year's Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I). The $750,000 Delaware Handicap July 16 isn't a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" race.