Sheer Drama Tunes Up for Distaff

Harold Queen’s Sheer Drama (Burning Roma), coming off wins in the July 18 GI Delaware H. and Aug. 29 GI Personal Ensign S., tuned up for an expected start in the Oct. 30 GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff with a five-furlong drill in 1:00.73 Sunday at Gulfstream Park.

“I was thrilled,” trainer David Fawkes said of the work. “I thought it was a little quick in the middle–she spotted a horse of [trainer] Ralph Nicks in front of her and kind of locked onto that horse. The middle fractions were a little strong, but the kid was smart and just sat. She finished well and galloped out well. I was real happy with everything.”

Sheer Drama will ship to Kentucky the week before the Breeders’ Cup.

“I’ll probably breeze her on Wednesday and watch her train Thursday morning to make sure everything’s on ‘go’ then leave,” Fawkes explained. “We’ll be there Friday morning and have a week of training.”

Sheer Drama has been no worse than second in seven 2015 starts, all stakes, with six graded. The late developing 5-year-old mare won the first of her three graded-stakes victories in the Mar. 21 GII Royal Delta at Gulfstream.

“She keeps growing up and she keeps growing up with every race,” Fawkes said. “With each race, she’s easier to deal with. She handles the crowds–all that kind of stuff.”