Taris Targets La Brea

By Ben Massam

Taris (Flatter), a “TDN Rising Star” purchased for $2.35 million by Simon Callaghan at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale, has already adapted to training at Santa Anita and demonstrated her considerable ability in the mornings, according to the California-based conditioner. 

“She’s been doing great,” said Callaghan. “She fits into the routine really well out here in California and she has not missed a beat. She’s really an easy filly to be around with a great temperament. A really classy filly to work with.” 

Taris’ class was on full display in Keeneland’s GII Raven Run S. Oct. 18, where the filly demolished the competition in a runaway nine-length score. The race was her fifth and final start for trainer Todd Beattie and owner Commonwealth New Era Racing. 

According to Callaghan, the 3-year-old was purchased on behalf of Coolmore and is being pointed to the GI La Brea S. at seven furlongs Dec. 26, opening day of the Santa Anita meet. “At the moment, we’re targeting the La Brea with her. It’s a logical race, but we’ll take it one step at a time.” 

An important step in that process came this past Saturday at Santa Anita, when Taris registered her first workout since arriving, a four-furlong move that pleased Callaghan. 

“We did our first bit of work on Saturday and it was just an easy piece in :49 for the half-mile and that was what we wanted,” the trainer offered. “She looked fantastic, moved over the track well and it was really smooth.” 
While immediate plans call for Taris to continue competing around one turn, Callaghan believes she may have a future in route races. 

“Physically looking at her, her pedigree, and the way she relaxes in her training, she’s going to have every chance of stretching out,” he explained. “For the first part of [2015] we’ll keep her around seven-eighths where she’s obviously been doing very well, but I kind of have a feeling that she’s a filly that will stretch out well.” 

Bred by Claiborne Farm, Taris is out of the Theatrical (Ire) mare Comedy, and her second dam is GIII Distaff Turf Mile S. winner Don’t Be Silly (Lord at War {Arg}). She sold for $90,000 to her previous owners as a Keeneland September yearling. Under the care of Beattie, Taris won four of her five career starts and amassed $275,700 in earnings.