Breeders' Cup Bound California Angel turns in final work

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Oct. 27, 2021) – California Angel, the two-year-old filly phenom from the George Leonard III Stable, turned in her final work in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf Friday, Nov. 5 at Del Mar Racecourse in Southern California. The filly worked five furlongs under former jockey and exercise rider Emmanuel Cosme in an easy 1:01.0 at her training base at Indiana Grand Wednesday, Oct. 27.

“She (California Angel) worked really well,” said the soft-spoken Leonard. “Everything went as planned. She will ship out Monday to California.”

California Angel, the daughter of California Chrome, will be sent via Fed Ex Monday, Nov. 1 en route to her destination in California. Leonard will leave ahead of the filly on Sunday while owners Chris and Alan Walsh of Columbus, Ind. are slated to leave Wednesday. Several friends and family members from Indiana as well as Leonard’s home state of Louisiana are also making the journey out to support California Angel for the event.

Purchased for $5,500 at the Ocala Breeders’ June Sale, Leonard immediately knew he had a nice addition to his barn.

“I’ve trained a lot of horses, but I knew right away she was something special,” said Leonard. “I’ve only had her four months, but she does everything so easy.”

California Angel has had three starts so far, winning two, including the Grade 2 $200,000 Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland Oct. 13 which was a “win and you’re in” race for the Breeders’ Cup. This will mark the first start for the Walsh’s and Leonard in the prestigious event.

To help support California Angel, Indiana Grand is offering a free $20 win wager on the filly Friday, Nov. 5 to the first 200 fans. Wagers will be available at the First Floor OTB stand in the Grandstand.