It didn’t go exactly as planned but in the end, Spendarella completed the work at the Appalachian Stakes presented by the Japan Racing Association (G2T) on April 9 at Keenelandrallied to win 1 3/4 matches and remained undefeated on a frosty day in Bluegrass.
A few snowflakes flew as eight 3-year-olds entered the starting gate for the Keeneland 1-mile test, which was rated “good” after a week of continuous rain.
Jockey Tyler Gaffalione wiped out Spendarella but failed to take the lead that helped her win her previous start, March 5 Herecomesthebride Stakes (G3T) at Gulfstream Park. Glenall moved ahead of its rivals and led the rear under the lead of Julien Leparoux, with Spendarella directly behind.
When asked to return to her best home, Spendarella quickly gained her leader’s attention and easily eliminated her late bid. Dolce Zel and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Skims standing from last place to next third, missing another quarter of the length, as the mileage traveled is in the ratio 1:37.41.
Spendarella, daughter of Karakontie get out Abnormal heat mare Spanish Rabbit improved to 3 for 3, and trainer Graham Motion says her future appears unlimited.
“She’s quite phenomenal,” says Motion. “The way she did it today, without any cover-ups.”
Gaffalione says he has no trouble finding himself just ahead.
“It didn’t bother me and when I asked her, she really made a solid leg turn,” he said.
“She went into the first turn very comfortably. She was in a great rhythm, and the other horse (Glenall) coming inside didn’t bother her at all. She relaxed a bit. great and has some footwork.”
Motion said he decided to put Spendarella in the Herecomesthebride for his first win on February 2 at Gulfstream because “we really liked the way she trained. I threw her deep in there.”
She responded with a gate-string win, winning 1 1/2 lengths.
Motion said he hasn’t set a course for Spendarella until the end of the year, though he sees her potential as limited.
“I’ve heard of Royal Ascot,” he said, “but I don’t know about that. I’ll have to talk to Wesley,” referring to fellow coach Wesley Ward, who pioneered the formation. American participation at the Royal Meeting.
Spendarella was bred in New York by Gainsway Thoroughbreds LTD and raced for Gainsway Stable. Her dam has an underrated 2 year old Destin name is stupid Spain’s Fate and give up one Uncle Mo colt February 17th.
Dolce Zel, one of two fillings in the race from the first case of Zelzal to the Appalachian after a win in the Florida Oaks (G3T) at the Tampa Bay Downs on March 12. The other, Ouraika also trained by Motion, ranked seventh in the Keeneland heat.
Video: Appalachian S. Presented by Japan Racing Association (G2T)
