Saturday, July 05, 2008

DELAWARE HANDICAP FESTIVAL OF RACING

Kathleens Reel could be peaking in time for Del 'Cap engagement

Eagle Valley Farm's Kathleens Reel could be peaking at the perfect time for her engagement in the $1 million Grade II Delaware Handicap on July 13. For the first time, the mile and a quarter classic for fillies and mares has been designated as a "Win and You're In" Breeders' Cup Challenge race with the winner automatically qualifying for the Ladies' Breeders' Cup Classic on October 24.

Kathleens Reel is still seeking her first victory this year, but the 4-year-old daughter of Lemon Drop Kid has had solid performances. In her last, the Kentucky-bred trained by Ray Sibille ran third in the mile and an eighth $300,000 Grade II Fleur de Lis at Churchill Downs on June 14. Previously, she finished third in the mile and an eighth $200,000 Grade III Sixty Sails Handicap at Hawthorne on April 19. This year, she has a second three thirds from five starts. Her career record is five wins, three seconds, and four thirds from 18 starts with earnings of $192,410.


Trainer Ray Sibille has been encouraged by her recent efforts and he thinks her best races are in front of her.

"Every race she has run has been pretty good," said trainer Ray Sibille. "She ran third in Louisiana, a third at Hawthorne, and a third in Kentucky. She has been running really good, but I think she is really coming up to her best race. This is going to be one of her better races. I am very excited."

Sibille is confident she will like the mile and a quarter distance.

"I am excited about her chances because of the distance," said trainer Ray Sibille. "I am almost sure this distance is perfect for her. In her last two races, which were both a mile and a eighth, her jockeys both said the distance is not a problem at all, so we are just going to run in a race a little longer."

Sibille plans on shipping Kathleens Reel on Monday.

"She is doing real well right now," he said. "She is in Kentucky and we are going to ship her from there to Delaware Park on Monday."

For complete information on Delaware Park Racing, Slots & Golf and additional amenity details, please visit our website at http://www.delawarepark.com.

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