Kirstenbosch gets another Grade 1 test in Beholder Mile
At 2h18, on March 11, 2023 • By SANTA ANITA
Kirstenbosch has been a filly on the ascent this winter for trainer John Sadler. Following a third-place finish in the Grade I La Brea going seven furlongs on Dec. 26, she was stretched around two turns and promptly earned her first graded stakes win in the Grade III La Canada going 1 1/16 miles on Jan. 16.
On Saturday, Kirstenbosch will get a second crack at a Grade I in the $500,000 Beholder Mile.
Sadler targeted the Beholder Mile for Kirstenbosch immediately after her win in the La Canada, which came while breaking from the rail under Kazushi Kimura. In the Beholder Mile, she again drew the rail and will have Kimura in the irons. Kirstenbosch is listed as a 12-1 longshot on the morning line.
Sadler noted 4-year-old Kirstenbosch has continued to move forward since the La Canada. He’s expecting a top effort on Saturday.
“She’s had good spacing since the last race and she’s improving,” said Sadler, who for the first time this year is a finalist for induction into the Racing Hall of Fame. “Obviously this is a tougher group, it’s a Grade I, but she’s doing great.”
Due to recent wet weather at Santa Anita she was forced her to miss one scheduled work late last month, but Sadler indicated it was not a concern. She returned to the tab on Sunday with a five-furlong work that Sadler said he clocked in 59.80 seconds. The drill was officially credited as being in 1:00.20.
