Champion filly Beholder returned from a mid-summer spell to outclass her rivals in the Listed Torrey Pines Stakes (1600m) at Del Mar on Sunday.
The daughter of Rangeview Stud sire Henny Hughes led from the outset and was eased up by Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens to score by next to three lengths. “She was a complete professional,” Stevens said after partnering the filly for the first time. “I was just a passenger and it was basically a workout for her. She’s just all class.”
Beholder (3f Henny Hughes – Leslie’s Lady by Tricky Creek) earned an Eclipse Award as Champion USA 2YO Filly after a Group 1 triumph in the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
She returned this term for further elite victories in the Las Virgenes Stakes and Santa Anita Oaks before a most unlucky second to Princess of Sylmar in the Kentucky Oaks in May.
“She ran like we expected,” trainer Richard Mandella said. “She’s a beautiful animal and I didn’t really have a moment’s worry. She was very much in control and she does everything so easy.”
Mandella said Beholder would be pointed to the G1 Zenyatta Stakes at Santa Anita on September 28 on the way to an end-of-season assignment in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff on November 1.
Rangeview Stud’s Robbie and Jody Gray led Henny Hughes straight back into the breeding barn after watching Beholder’s brilliant first-up victory on Monday morning Perth time.
“We’ve been very happy with the bookings and Beholder is doing a wonderful job for him.” Jody Gray said. “Our first foals by Henny Hughes foals are all quality and the reports we’ve been getting from breeders have been very positive.”
Henny Hughes (Hennessy) stood his first southern season at the Bullsbrook based stud last year after the Grays purchased him from Darley. Within weeks, Beholder emerged as the leading filly in North American and that led to a shuttle deal with Walmac Farm in Kentucky.
Henny Hughes stands for a $7,700 (inc gst) service fee at Rangeview Stud alongside So Secret (Danetime) and Key Business (Success Express).
Click here to see Beholder win the Torrey Pines Stakes.