THE Grade 1 Beholder Stakes is the only top-level contest this week but it an intriguing race with one of the top older fillies Unique Bella set for a rematch with the Grade 1 winner Paradise Wood whom she beat in a terrific race back in December to win her first Grade 1.

For a filly of her ability, one Grade 1 win looks little reward but she has not been blessed with the best of luck. She missed most of her three-year-old season, had a rushed prep for the Breeders’ Cup and ran too freely in the Filly and Mare Sprint, fading to sixth when a heavy favourite. Last time out at Oaklawn she blew the start, made ground too quickly and had no more to give in the final stages in a Grade 1 and was beaten over two lengths.

TALENTED

She is certainly the most talented filly in the field but she will be tested by some quality runners.

Paradise Woods’ best form was when she won the 2017 Santa Anita Oaks by 11 3/4 lengths and she was third in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, while Vale Dori won six straight races in 2016-17, five of them graded events, though she was disappointing on her reappearance last month.

Both of the Doug O’Neill-trained duo – Mopotism and Munny Spunt – are graded winners. Back at Santa Anita, Unique Bella should add the her Grade 1 tally.