Unique Bella drills for Santa Anita Oaks

ARCADIA, Calif. – Unique Bella, alone atop the 3-year-old filly division, was alone in her workout Sunday at Santa Anita, where she cruised six furlongs in 1:11.20.

Prior to the workout, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer reiterated plans for Unique Bella that call for her to race in her division. “We’re not going in the Santa Anita Derby,” he said.

Unique Bella worked by herself under exercise rider Edgar Rodriguez minutes before 8 a.m. The workout was five furlongs in 59 seconds; her official workout time was six furlongs in 1:11.20.

“She went five-eighths,” Hollendorfer said. “The clockers asked if I wanted the ‘six time,’ so we took the six time. I got her out seven-eighths in 1:25.35.”

Unique Bella has won four straight, including three graded stakes, and is expected to be heavily favored in her next start, the Santa Anita Oaks on April 8. “If she continues like she is now, then she’s on target for the Santa Anita Oaks,” Hollendorfer said.

Every time Unique Bella works and another top 3-yearold colt misfires, Hollendorfer is asked if the Santa Anita Derby is an option. The answer Sunday was the same as always: Unique Bella’s targets are the Santa Anita Oaks and Kentucky Oaks.

“I haven’t had anyone chirping at me to run in the Santa Anita Derby except for people that have nothing to do with the horse,” Hollendorfer said.

Hollendorfer and Unique Bella’s owner, Don Alberto Stable, each already have a Santa Anita Derby probable starter. Hollendorfer trains Battle of Midway for owner Rick Porter. Don Alberto Stable owns Reach the World, trained by Bob Baffert.

Battle of Midway worked a half-mile in 47.60 on Sunday.

The Hollendorfer-trained Songbird remains in light training but is not ready for her first workout of the year. “Songbird is on a training program, and when she is ready to breeze, we will breeze her,” Hollendorfer said. “Nobody is worried about anything.”