In an exhilarating turn of events, La Cara has left her renowned trainer Mark Casse in awe with a dominant performance. The 3-year-old filly’s victory in the Suncoast Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs showcased her potential for the upcoming Grade 2 Davona Dale at Gulfstream Park. Despite Casse's extensive experience with top-tier Thoroughbreds, La Cara's performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Meanwhile, other contenders like The Queen’s M G and Ballerina d’Oro are also gearing up for the prestigious race, each bringing their own strengths to the competition.
La Cara's Remarkable Debut and Strategic Planning
La Cara’s recent performance has not only impressed her trainer but also positioned her as a leading contender in the Davona Dale. After winning the Suncoast Stakes by over six lengths, Casse is confident about her chances. He plans to use this race as a stepping stone towards bigger goals such as the Ashland and ultimately the Kentucky Oaks. This strategic approach aims to optimize her training and rest periods without disrupting her momentum.
La Cara’s journey began last year with impressive wins, including breaking her maiden by eight lengths at Saratoga and clinching the Pocahontas Stakes at Churchill Downs. Her fifth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies did little to dampen expectations. Now, with her latest victory, Casse believes she is ready for the challenges ahead. Running her back on three weeks' rest might be unconventional, but it aligns perfectly with her preparation schedule. “She’s already in South Florida, so we’ll just stay at home,” Casse remarked, emphasizing the practicality of his decision.
Competitors and Their Preparations
The Davona Dale will see several strong competitors vying for glory. Among them, The Queen’s M G stands out with her graded-stakes credentials. Having won the Adirondack Stakes at Saratoga, she enters the race after a third-place finish in the Forward Gal. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is optimistic about her improvement and believes that the mile distance will suit her well. Another notable entrant is Ballerina d’Oro, who makes her debut under Chad Brown’s guidance after a solid second-place finish in the Demoiselle Stakes. She transitions from turf to dirt, adding another layer of intrigue to her performance.
Ballerina d’Oro’s versatility on different surfaces adds to her appeal. After winning one of three races on turf, she demonstrated resilience in the Demoiselle. Tyler Gaffalione, set to ride her for the first time, brings valuable experience to the team. Frida, trained by Jose D’Angelo, seeks to build on her maiden win with a better showing after finishing fifth in the Forward Gal. Emisael Jaramillo returns as her jockey, aiming to capitalize on her potential. Other contenders like My Denysse, Madeline’s Promise, and Quinn’s Promise round out the competitive field, ensuring a thrilling race day at Gulfstream Park.