Photo by: Benoit

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin Jockey Alan Garcia Owner Martin Schwartz Breeder SCA Elevage de Tourgeville & Erculiani (Fr) Recent Race History Date Race Finish 06.07.08 Just a Game Stakes (GI) at Belmont 2nd 04.12.08 Jenny Wiley (GII) @ Keeneland 3rd

Starter Analysis

Though she hasn't won since this race last year, LADY OF VENICE should vie for post time favoritism with Ventura. It will be interesting to see if the bettors side with "Lady" since she lost to Ventura at Belmont last out. She didn't have the best trip there and was making up plenty of ground late, but just plain ran out of ground. The field in last year's CashCall was solid, but there is a little more quality even though the field is smaller. Two very sharp works, in a span of six days, signal she's sitting on a big race. The pick to repeat.

Background/Pedigree Analysis :: Chestnut mare, 5; by Loup Solitaire - Lacewings (Forty Niner)

LADY OF VENICE has always been highly thought of by owner Martin Schwartz, but for the early part of her career she had to live in the shadow of stablemate Gorella (FR). Lady's career began in France, where she won 2 of 3 starts. Imported stateside early in 2007, she won the Appalachian and Regret (GIII) before a bad trip cost her a win in the Diana Handicap (GI). After Wait a While handled her in the Lake Placid (GII), she was given the rest of 2006 off. She came back strong last year, winning the CashCall and Ouija Board (gr. IIIT) at Lone Star Park. In the last six months, she's had a few tough beats, losing both the Jenny Wiley (gr. IIT) and Just A Game (gr. IT) by less than a length. Lady of Venice is by Loup Solitaire (Solitary Wolf), winner of the Gran Criterium (GI), when he set a track record for 1,600 meters (about one mile) at two. He was also second the following year to Hellisio in the Prix Lupin (GI). He stands stud in France at Haras du Merezay Out of Lacewings, Lady of Venice is a full sister to the European stakes placed gelding Loup Masque.