October 13, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
A Royal Romp
An elegant effort from She Feels Pretty in the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth II (G1T) netted the 3-year-old filly her first graded stakes title since last September’s Natalma (G1T).
While the 392 days between graded scores were by no means a failure – She Feels Pretty amassed a 4: 1-1-2 line highlighted by a Hilltop Stakes win – the Cherie DeVaux trainee fell short in the Belmont Oaks (G1T) and Lake Placid (G2T).
That all changed Saturday when the 3-2 closing line favorite delivered a marvelous six-length decision in her first attempt at Keeneland.
She Feels Pretty’s post-breakout breakthrough paid $5.08.
If You’re Not First…
From dead last to crossing the finish line first, Spaliday and rider Manuel Franco gave Belmont’s Saturday afternoon crowd something to cheer about in the $200,000 Sands Point (G2T).
After a slow break out of post two, the determined duo dug in and methodically made their way back into contention before leaving it all on the turf in a valiant final push for the wire.
The electrifying display resulted in Spaliday’s first career graded stakes trophy and third win overall through seven starts (3-0-2).
Closing as the board’s second choice at 3-1, the 3-year-old filly paid $8.30.
What are the Odds?
A Game, at 48-1, may have been listed as the least likely to win Saturday’s $154,090 Ontario Fashion (G3) but the Fraser Aebly mount didn’t seem to mind.
Running free without the crushing weight of high expectations, A Game made all the right moves en route to a narrow victory by a head over 5-1 foe Love to Shop.
It was certainly a day to remember for the 5-year-old mare, who shocked the field of nine to steal the top spot in her graded stakes debut.
The few who backed A Game were equally excited by the $99.20 return on a $2 win bet.
Twice as Nice
Brilliant Ice was the cream of the crop in Saturday’s $150,000 Maryland Million Classic.
Making his first career start beyond 1 1/16-miles, the 5-year-old gelding had no trouble convincing the Laurel Park faithful that he could stretch out with a commanding 5 ¼-length triumph.
Brilliant Ice’s fifth win in 25 lifetime tries proved to be his most meaningful to date, as his 80-year-old trainer Annette Eubanks cheered him on from home while recovering from knee surgery.
The extra special moment, which also happened to be the veteran sprinter’s first ever stakes score, paid an even $13.
No Need to Wait
Future Is Now solidified her place in Franklin Stakes (G2T) history with a stellar three-quarter-length victory on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Keeneland.
A cast of 11 other hopefuls were no match for the 4-year-old filly, who comfortably secured ‘multiple graded stakes winner’ status in just her third attempt at the level.
Future Is Now successfully carried the momentum from August’s Smart N Fancy Stakes win over into the $350,000 Franklin, quashing any concerns about her ability to perform on the big stage.
The Paco Lopez mount’s seventh career win, and fifth of 2024, paid a cool $15.76.