Beholder Returns to Action in the $75,000 Santa Lucia Stakes

Tabbed as the heavy favorite at morning line odds of 1-5, Beholder will be making her first start of the year for trainer Richard Mandella and is returning off of a seven-month layoff. A five-year-old daughter of Henny Hughes, Beholder won both the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) and the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). She used the Santa Lucia Stakes as her return race last year as well and won two of her three total starts including the Zenyatta (G1). Gary Stevens will be aboard from post seven.

Tiz Midnight trying to return to competitive form

Second choice at 5-1 on the morning line is Tiz Midnight for trainer Bob Baffert. A five-year-old daughter of Midnight Lute, she has been on the board in eight of her ten career starts and has four wins to her credit, including one against Grade 2 competition. She is trying to rebound after finishing sixth in the Paseana Stakes in her first start of the year. Martin Garcia will be in the irons from post position two.

Uzziel aiming for first win of the year

Also in the field at morning line odds of 8-1 is Uzziel for trainer Keith Desormeaux. The four-year-old daughter of Harlington will be ridden by Desormeaux’s brother, Kent, as she tries to earn the fifth victory of her career. She was fourth last time out in the Santa Margarita Stakes (G2) and was second in the Santa Maria Stakes (G2) in her first start of the year. Uzziel will break from post position four.