Cash is King LLC's undefeated 'TDN Rising Star' Cathryn Sophia (Street Boss) worked a half-mile over a fast Keeneland track Sunday morning in her final move before a start in Saturday's GI Central Bank Ashland S. Working by herself, the filly coasted through a quarter-mile in :25.40 and completed the half in :48.20, galloping out five furlongs in 1:01 and six furlongs in 1:14.60, according to Keeneland clockers.
“I am tickled to death with it, tickled to death,” trainer John Servis said. “If you can't be happy with that, you are not a happy guy.”
Cathryn Sophia easily annexed her career debut at Parx in October and earned 'Rising Star' status after a 16 1/4-length romp in Laurel's Gin Talking S. going seven furlongs Dec. 5. Sent to Florida for the winter months, the bay demonstrated a new ability to rate off the pace with a decisive tally in the GII Forward Gal S. Jan. 30 and followed with an equally impressive seven-length score in the one-mile GII Fasig-Tipton Davona Dale S. Feb. 27. Servis said the Ashland's prominence and spot on the calendar factored into his choice for his star's first try around two turns.
“Obviously the Grade 1 made a difference and if she is fortunate enough to win, it would be nice to have on her resume,” Servis said. “And I like the five weeks between races and then wheeling back in four weeks for the [May 6 GI] Kentucky Oaks.”
Javier Castellano, who filled in for injured Joel Rosario in the Davona Dale, will retain the mount in Saturday's tilt against the likes of fellow 'Rising Stars' Carina Mia (Malibu Moon) and Rachel's Valentina (Bernardini). The Ashland offers a total of 170 qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks, with 100 going to the winner. Servis added that if all goes according to plan, Cathryn Sophia will remain at Keeneland until a week prior to the Kentucky Oaks, before shipping to Churchill Downs.
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