Siding with the champ in Beholder Mile Stakes

Champion #1 Swiss Skydiver will make her much anticipated four-year-old debut in the $300,000 Beholder Mile S. (G1) at Santa Anita on Saturday. The one-mile affair attracted a solid cast with a trio of fillies poised for a big season, and while I do not think that it’s an ideal distance for the favorite, it will be hard to deny her, nonetheless.

The Kenny McPeek-trained daughter of Daredevil picked up five graded stakes trophies in 2020, led by historic victories in the Preakness S. (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1). Kentucky-bred chestnut, who capped her sophomore campaign with an unplaced effort in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), has reportedly been training in fine fashion as she readies for her 2021 bow. The versatile lass was ultra-impressive in her lone local appearance, and she could sit a nice trip while forwardly placed from the onset with Robby Albarado coming out to ride.

#3 Harvest Moon has improved her Brisnet Speed figure with each lifetime try and will be a danger to the top pick with continued ascension. Simon Callaghan pupil ran her best two races to finish off her three-year-old year, with an excellent score in the Zenyatta S. (G2) preceding a game fourth-place result in the Distaff. The Uncle Mo filly is three-for-three at the one-mile distance, and she should be fit with eight morning drills under her belt to prepare for Saturday. Flavien Prat riding adds to the appeal.

I think that #6 As Time Goes By, one of two in the cast for Bob Baffert, is the wildcard in the group. The well-bred American Pharoah filly comes off a dynamic allowance win on the surface while making her route debut, and if she moves forward off of it, then the dark bay will have a say in the outcome despite the hefty class rise. Mike Smith gets off of another contender to guide the fine prospect.

While I don’t envision #4 Sanenus upsetting the field for McCarthy, I do like the steady improvement from the mare and will give her a logical exotics chance at a decent number. Scat Daddy five-year-old blitzed her foes in the La Canada S. (G2) most recently, and she was fairly impressive when runner-up in the Chilukki S. (G3) at Churchill Downs two prior, as well. Group 1-winning Chilean import has seemingly acclimated to racing in the U.S. in a fine manner. She will be included in my vertical endeavors.

Beholder Wagers

• $2 superfecta: 1 with 3,6 with 3,4,6 with all ($32)
• $1 superfecta: 1,3 with 1,3 with 4,6 with all ($16)