Emboldened seeks another strong display in G3 Las Flores Stakes

Emboldened aims to build on a hugely promising Pattern debut when she drops down in class and trip for the G3 Las Flores Stakes over six furlongs on dirt at Santa Anita, USA, on Sunday, 7 April.

The four-year-old Elusive Quality filly, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Joe Talamo, kept on well from the rear to finish a close third at the same course in the seven-furlong G1 La Brea Stakes at the end of December.

Emboldened has won two of her four starts, all of which have come at Santa Anita, and produced an impressive performance to capture the Angels Flight Stakes over seven furlongs in May, when she quickened strongly for a decisive victory after being detached early on.

She is drawn in stall eight in a field of 10 that also features G1 winner Dream Tree, who lost her unbeaten record when finishing last in the La Brea Stakes, and G1 Santa Anita Oaks runner-up Spectator.

Godolphin USA President Jimmy Bell said: “Emboldened has been training well and this looks a good spot for her, although it is very competitive race.

“She ran very well in the La Brea Stakes, when she was beaten just over a length after meeting a little trouble in running.

“Her come-from-behind style has seen Emboldened produce excellent efforts on her last two starts and she has a good post position towards the outside of the field.

“She is ready to get her campaign underway and we would like to see a strong performance with a view to potentially stepping her back up in grade.”