Simon Callaghan has a strong hand in this running a couple with strong claims. Lighthouse went close in a Grade 3 contest in February but stablemate BELLA VITA (NAP) has the more recent form when caught in the closing stages of a stakes race on the main track here earlier this month. She won her maiden over course and distance earlier and is reunited with the track’s leading jockey for this. Lofty’s winning streak came to an end on her latest start but she’s worth a try at this higher level and maiden winner Kustom For Karl makes more appeal than the returning Mean Sophia.
Kustom For Karl (USA) 19-10 (8-10) Inside duel,cleared, won at Santa Anita 5f mdn gd in Feb beating Rakassah (8-10) by 3 1/4l, 7 ran.
Lighthouse (USA) 13-2 (8-10) Fought back rail lane, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Laura's Light (8-12) at Santa Anita 5f stks gd in Feb.
Lofty (USA) 7-10fav (8-8) Dueled,clear,caught, 2nd of 10, 1/2l behind Querelle (9-0) at Santa Anita 5f gd in May.
Mean Sophia (USA) 18-5 (8-10) 3wd into str, weakened, last of 4, 7l behind Quality Response (8-10) at Los Alamitos Racecourse 6f stks fst in Sep.
Bella Vita (USA) 15-2 (8-8) 3wd into str,led,edged, 2nd of 10, 1/2l behind Smiling Shirlee (8-10) at Santa Anita 6f fll stks fst in May.
