Lake Time seeking black type

ARCADIA, Calif. – Lake Time has been on a tour of the Southwest in recent months, with positive results.

The 5-year-old mare was fourth in the CERF Stakes at Del Mar in September, third in the minor Princess of Palms Stakes at Turf Paradise in Phoenix in October, and won an allowance race with a $62,500 claiming option at Del Mar in November.

For her 2019 debut, Lake Time drew the rail in Sunday’s $75,000 Kalookan Queen Stakes for fillies and mares at 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita. At a glance, the race entries would reflect the toughest race of Lake Time’s career, although the final field may be different.

Selcourt, a three-time stakes winner last year, is entered in Saturday’s Grade 3 Las Cienegas Stakes, which is scheduled for the hillside turf course and could be shifted to the main track depending on potential rain. Trainer John Sadler said Selcourt would run in the $100,000 Las Cienegas Stakes if the race is shifted to dirt because of its higher purse. Selcourt won the 2018 Kalookan Queen for her first stakes win.

The Kalookan Queen drew a field of six. Three other fillies and mares have placed in stakes – Lady Suebee, Spring Lily, and Way to Versailles.

KEY CONTENDERS

Selcourt, by Tiz Wonderful Last 3 Beyers: 67-104-100

◗ Selcourt was 12th of 14 in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint on Nov. 3 at Churchill Downs, her first start since a win in the Santa Monica Stakes in late March. If Selcourt runs in the Kalookan Queen, the 5-year-old mare will be a prohibitive favorite. Her form is vastly superior to the other entrants. Sadler said Friday morning that he was learning toward a start Saturday.

Lake Time, by Tapizar Last 3 Beyers: 93-81-86

◗ Lake Time has won 3 of 17 starts and earned $177,546 for owners Mary and James Abel. Lake Time raced near the front in her recent win at Del Mar, finishing a head in front of Dominating Woman. Lake Time was ridden by Geovanni Franco, who retains the mount.

“She’ll race forwardly,” trainer Eric Kruljac said. “We’ll break and see where we’re at.

“We’ll take a shot at black type. Third would be good.” Lady Suebee, by First Defence Last 3 Beyers: 82-67-83

◗ This marks the California debut for Lady Suebee, who was previously trained in New York by Chad Brown. Lady Suebee was third in the Coronation Cup at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf at Saratoga in July.

◗ Lady Suebee was purchased for $230,000 at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale and is now owned by Pete and Kosta Hronis and trained by Sadler.

“She lays up close,” Sadler said. “She’s training well. We’re learning a little bit.”

◗ A 4-year-old filly, Lady Suebee has drawn the outside post and will be ridden by Joel Rosario. Lady Suebee won her final start for Brown, an allowance race with a $62,500 claiming option at six furlongs at Belmont Park in October.