GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR BELLA VITA
At 0h02, on October 16, 2021 • By SANTA ANITA
Bella Vita returns to turf and stakes competition in Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap at 6 ½ furlongs on Santa Anita’s unique downhill oval.
The Distaff is one in the lucrative Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses.
“This was a chance to get her back with Cal-breds and it seems like a good opportunity,” said Simon Callaghan, who trains the four-year-old Bayern filly for Kaleem Shah.
Leading jockey Flavien Prat rode her to a 4 ½-length victory in an overnight race at Del Mar last out on Aug. 29, but will be at Keeneland Saturday to ride 7-2 morning line second choice Shantisara for Chad Brown in the $500,000, Grade II Queen Elizabeth Challenge Cup at 1 1/8 miles on turf.
Callaghan has engaged resurgent Hall of Fame member Victor Espinoza to pilot Bella Vita, a consistent bay with a 3-5-1 record from 11 starts and earnings of $283,722. She also has two creditable efforts behind Grade I winners Gamine and Ce Ce.
The California Distaff, race seven of nine with a 1 p.m. first post time.
