Duvet Day tries to defend title off layoff Sunday
At 0h03, on January 21, 2024 • By Santa Anita
Duvet Day earned the biggest win of her career in last year’s Astra Stakes when going the marathon distance of 1 ½ miles on turf. On Sunday, following a seven-month layoff, the 5-year-old Starspangledbanner mare will try and equal that feat for trainer Michael McCarthy.
Duvet Day is the 5-2 co-second choice on the morning line behind favorite Linda’s Gift (2-1), for trainer Richard Mandella, who is the only other stakes winner in the field. Linda’s Gift proved her affinity for longer distance last out when taking the GIII Red Carpet going 1 3/8 miles at Del Mar on Nov. 23.
Duvet Day has not started since last June when finishing fourth against males in the grassy GIII San Juan Capistrano at about 1 ¾ miles at Santa Anita. She has been preparing for her comeback at San Luis Rey Downs where she’s worked seven times since Dec. 2.
“She’s doing well and I expect a good effort,” McCarthy said. “Obviously she won the race last year. She should relish the distance.”
Duvet Day Sunday will be reunited with Kazushi Kimura, who was aboard for the win in last year’s Astra. She is owned by Jane Bacharach, Richard Schatz and Cedros.
