Beholder before the race. (Alex Norwick/Neon Tommy)

The filly took an immediate lead to set the pace. She was able to hold off Iotapa in the final furlong, as jockey Garrett Gomez put her under a heavy whip.

“Beholder set some decent fractions and stayed on well today,” said Gomez. “She gives me a 110 percent (effort) when we go out there, and she’s just a pleasure to be on all the time.” 

Trainer Richard Mandella was pleased with Beholder’s performance: “You expect it, but with horse racing, you don’t want to expect too much.” 

“It’ll break your heart. 

“She just did everything right (and) handled herself well. She’s a very good filly.”

Beholder now has enough points to comfortably qualify for the Kentucky Oaks in May. Owner B. Wayne Hughes is expected to bring the filly as a key contender.

“We’re looking forward to the Kentucky Oaks,” said Hughes. “We can’t go to the Derby. They don’t let us in anymore.”

Reach Contributor Alex Norwick here.