Spanish Queen Likely for Belmont Oaks

California-bred Spanish Queen (Tribal Rule), who cemented her status as the leading sophomore turf filly on the West Coast with her victory in the GI American Oaks at Santa Anita May 30, is likely to traverse the continent for the $1-million GI Belmont Oaks Invitational July 4, trainer Richard Baltas confirmed Saturday. 

“Right now we’re looking at the New York race,” Baltas said. “She’s doing well so that’s the race we’re thinking about. We’re not committing, but we’ll let the horse tell us what to do.” 

Impressive in defeating her fellow state-breds by nearly six lengths when debuting over a grassy mile at Santa Anita Mar. 5, the homebred missed by a neck in the GIII Providencia S. Apr. 4. She bounced back to land the GII Honeymoon S. May 3 before decisioning East Coast invader Feathered (Indian Charlie) by 3/4 of a length in the American Oaks.