For the entire consideration centered on Letruska leading up to the Longines Breeders Cup Distaff (G1), there’s another younger filly who has the credentials to steal the show in the Nov. 6 stakes at Del Mar.
As a lot as Shadwell Steady’s Malathaat may not have the reputation as a Horse of the Year candidate like Letruska, the impressive $1.05 million yearling buy is indeed coming up to the Distaff looking like the proverbial “million bucks” and seems ready for a strong effort in the $2 million Distaff.
“Part of the reason for it,” Pletcher said Nov. 1 about a lack of recent chatter about the 3-year-old Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner, “is that she hasn’t run since the (Alabama Stakes, G1). Had she run in the (Beldame Stakes, G2) or the (Juddmonte Spinster, G1) maybe she would be in everyone’s mind a little more. She had a big gallop over the track (at Del Mar) this morning and seems to be in really good form. She’s had good preparation for this while still getting stronger and putting on weight. We’re happy with her.”
Malathaat has been targeting the Distaff since Aug. 21, when she posted a 1 1/2-length victory in the Alabama. A cinch to be named the champion 3-year-old filly, the $1.55 million earner shipped from New York to Del Mar Oct. 31 with a record of six wins in seven starts and will be facing older rivals for the first time in the Distaff.
“We’ve had high hopes for her her entire life,” Pletcher said about the multiple grade 1-winning daughter of Curlin who was bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings and bought for a seven-figure price at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale from the Denali Stud consignment.
Life Is Good Settles In
Pletcher additionally reported that Large Ass Followers Breeders’ Cup Dust Mile (G1) favourite Life Is Good handled the weekend flight from New York well and is on course for a solid effort in Saturday’s race.
“He’s trained exceptionally well,” Pletcher said about the 3-year-old colt owned by WinStar Farm and China Horse Club. “He’s a very impressive horse to watch train. His breezes are eye-catching and we’re happy with the way he shipped in. So far, so good.”
In his last start, the son of Into Mischief bred by Gary and Mary West was an easy 5 1/2-length winner of the Sept. 25 Kelso Handicap (G2) while facing older horses for the first time.
Originally trained by Bob Baffert, he has won four of five starts with his lone loss in the Aug. 28 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1).
He was coming off a layoff of nearly six months and making his first start for Pletcher when he lost by a neck to Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) favorite Jackie’s Warrior in the seven-furlong Jerkens.
Life Is Good gallops Nov. 1 at Del Mar
