On Saturday, the prestigious $300,000 Beholder Mile at Santa Anita Park will witness an intense showdown among six fillies and mares, each aiming for their first Grade 1 victory. Notable contenders include Cavalieri, Alpha Bella, Hoosier Philly, and Tarifa. These equine athletes have demonstrated remarkable performances in previous races, setting the stage for an unforgettable event. The competition promises thrilling moments as these elite horses vie for top honors on the track.

The Beholder Mile is a significant milestone for these athletes, offering not only substantial prize money but also a chance to cement their names in racing history. Each horse brings a unique background and set of achievements to the race, making it a highly competitive affair. The event will be run as the eighth race out of eleven, with a post time of 6:43 p.m. EST, following a day of exciting races starting from 3 p.m.

Cavalieri's Promising Journey to Grade 1 Aspirations

Cavalieri, trained by Bob Baffert, has shown exceptional promise since her debut. She secured a decisive victory in the La Cañada Stakes earlier this year, defeating Alpha Bella by one and a half lengths. This triumph marked her stakes debut, highlighting her potential as a formidable competitor. Owned by Speedway Stable, Cavalieri boasts a perfect record of three wins from three starts, earning nearly $140,000 in prize money.

Her journey began with a victorious one-mile debut at Del Mar in August, followed by another win in a first-level allowance race at Santa Anita in October. Cavalieri, a 4-year-old filly sired by Nyquist, was acquired for $900,000 as a 2-year-old at auction. Her consistent performance and strategic training under Baffert position her as a strong contender for the Beholder Mile. Regular rider Juan Hernandez will once again be in the saddle, adding confidence to her chances of securing a Grade 1 win.

Alpha Bella and Others: Proven Competitors Seeking Redemption

Among the other notable contenders is Alpha Bella, a 5-year-old mare who has been consistently finishing second in graded stakes races. Trained by John Sadler, she narrowly missed the top spot in the La Cañada Stakes, coming in second behind Cavalieri. Despite this setback, Alpha Bella's resilience and experience make her a formidable competitor. She previously excelled in the east under Todd Pletcher, winning a Grade 3 race on turf last year.

Hoosier Philly, a multiple stakes winner, travels from Fair Grounds under trainer Tom Amoss. Her most recent performance saw her finishing third in the Houston Ladies' Classic, showcasing her ability to compete at high levels. Meanwhile, Tarifa, trained by Brad Cox, arrives from South Florida after an impressive season that included victories in three Grade 2 events for 3-year-old fillies. These seasoned competitors bring a wealth of experience and determination to the Beholder Mile, ensuring a race filled with excitement and suspense.