by Ron Parker

Saturday’s Festival of the Sun Preview at Calder Race Course produced two winners whose connections said they will head to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on October 24-25 at the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park.

Richard Rowan’s two-year-old filly Renda stalked the pace and pulled away late for a 5 ¼-length victory in the $86,625 Brave Raj Stakes.

 Ridden by Sebastian Madrid, Renda completed one mile and 70 yard  in 1:45.88 on a track rated as fast. Trainer Juan Arias said the Medaglia d’Oro filly, who has also worked well on turf, could contest either the Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) or the inaugural Grey Goose Juvenile Fillies Turf.

New Life Stable’s and Equus Racing Stable’s Stately Character rallied from last to first to win the $78,375 Foolish Pleasure Stakes, a one-mile and 70-yard race on the main track for two-year-old colts and geldings.

The Pleasant Tap colt covered the distance in 1:47.41 for trainer Gerald Procino while winning for the first time in four races.

Also on the card, Mount Joy Stables’ Smooth Air rallied from just off the pace for a 3 ½-length victory in the $100,000 Needles Stakes, completed the 1 1/16-mile turf race in 1:41.92. Trainer Bennie Stutts Jr. said the Smooth Jazz colt will make his next start in the Breeders’ Cup, and the owners will decide which race Smooth Air will contest.

For Equibase charts, click here.

Ron Parker is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer