Sheer Drama returns to worktab

Edited Press Release

Harold Queen’s multiple Grade 1-winning homebred Sheer Drama breezed for the first time this year Saturday morning over the fast main track at Gulfstream Park in preparation for her 2016 campaign.

Regular exercise rider Jose Cruz was aboard the six-year-old chestnut daughter of Burning Roma, who went three furlongs in :35.63 and galloped out a half-mile in :49 for trainer David Fawkes. Saturday’s time ranked fourth of 23 horses.

“She went excellent. She went a nice, easy, cruising three-eighths and went out a half and did it well in hand,” Fawkes said. “It was just easy as can be. No sweat at all.”

Sheer Drama had not had a work since prior to her last start, when she was fourth from post 14, beaten 4 1/2 lengths by Stopchargingmaria, in the October 30 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Keeneland.

First or second in seven of eight starts last year – including wins in the Personal Ensign (G1), Delaware H. (G1) and Royal Delta (G2) with earnings of $1,234,720 – she was given time off at Queen’s farm in Ocala, Florida, before rejoining Fawkes’ string at Gulfstream on January 29.

“These horses that have been running and are coming off a layoff like that, a three-month layoff, they don’t need a whole string of 12, 15 works,” Fawkes remarked. “They get fit fast and they retain a lot of that fitness from being in the field and things like that.”

Fawkes has no set plan for Sheer Drama’s first start but the April 15 Apple Blossom H. (G1) at Oaklawn Park and May 6 La Troienne (G1) at Churchill Downs are among the races being considered.

“Her coat is good and her weight is really good. Harold did a great job of putting a bunch of weight on her when she went home,” Fawkes stated. “And, she likes her new two-stall condo there, too, with a window. She really likes that corner. She was right by the office last year, but this year she’s a little more active in the stall and I went ahead and moved her and she just loves it over there.”

Sheer Drama photo courtesy of Adam Coglianese Photography