Lady Valeur can repeat

Southern California-based Lady Valeur is the queen of Northern California racing and the one to beat as she seeks a repeat win in the $50,000-added Miss America on Sunday at Golden Gate Fields.

The 4-year-old filly began her regional domination when she won last year’s Miss America as the favorite, even though the race was moved from turf to the main track. She was odds-on when she returned to win the Golden Poppy over the Golden Gate turf. She also was a heavy favorite when she won a three-way photo in the Luther Burbank at Santa Rosa.

She’ll likely be favored again Sunday in the 1 1/16-mile turf race, but she did run third behind Dreamarcher and Alliford Bay in a Nov. 18 prep that was switched to the main track.

Thirteen runners, including Dreamarcher and Alliford Bay, have signed up to challenge her on the final day of the fall meeting.

Alliford Bay got the worst of the draw, landing post 14. She was second, beating Lady Valeur by two lengths, in the Nov. 18 one-mile prep, which was her route debut.

“She ran a good race and hopefully learned something,” said Blaine Wright, Alliford Bay’s trainer. “We’re glad she got her initial prep around two turns, even though it was taken off turf. Her pedigree suggests she’ll like grass.”

For Wright, Sunday’s race will direct his approach to upcoming races with the filly who beat older this summer in the California Governor’s Cup.

The Bill Delia-trained Central Heat will turn 9 on Jan. 1, but she loves turf. He regrets not scratching her from the Nov. 18 prep when it was taken off the grass.

Central Heat is a two-time winner of the Golden Poppy, and Delia said “all systems are go.”

“When she runs her race, she’s tough,” he said.

Coachwhip, who has won her first two starts, both on the turf, also could prove tough.

KEY CONTENDERS

Lady Valeur, by Multiplex Last 3 Beyers: 78-92-88

◗ Last year’s winner of this race on the main track, she is better on turf.

◗ She apparently enjoys softer Northern California company and is very successful at this distance.

Central Heat, by Unusual Heat Last 3 Beyers: 65-83-84

◗ She will appreciate move back to turf and is 11 for 22 over this course.

◗ She has been working nicely since a dull try on the main track Nov. 18.

Alliford Bay, by City Zip Last 3 Beyers: 83-83-75

◗ Even with her speed, post 14 is a disadvantage.

◗ She posted a solid 1:14.80 sixfurlong drill Dec. 1.

◗ Wright has 13 percent win rate and $1.09 return on investment with first-time turf starters over the past five years.

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