Three-Year-Old Fillies Roundup

Girl power has been a recurrent theme in horse racing as of late. The sophomore filly division has been very interesting and competitive in the past few years, producing some of the most talented fillies in recent years, such as Blind Luck, Rachel Alexandra, Rags to Riches, and Ashado. The three-year-old filly class does not have a spectacular standout this year, but is a competitive division nonetheless.

Many things have changed since my last roundup of this division, which came at the end of January. Here is a look at several of the top three-year-old fillies in the nation:

Agave Kiss: This filly’s undefeated record was snapped in her seventh start, a dull fifth-place finish in the Victory Ride Stakes (GIII). A filly I have followed since her maiden victory, Agave Kiss is much better than she showed in the Victory Ride. However, with just one graded stakes victory to her credit, Agave Kiss will need to step it up to be competitive at the grade one level. She is, of course, a sprinter and not a filly suited for nine furlongs or the classic distance.

Believe You Can: The Kentucky Oaks (GI) winner turned in a rather disappointing third-place finish in the Mother Goose Stakes (GI), being defeated by 9 ¼ lengths. Believe You Can's most recent work was a one-mile work at Ellis Park in 1:38, which followed a five-furlong work at the same track.

Broadway’s Alibi: The runner-up in the Kentucky Oaks, Broadway’s Alibi won her first two starts of 2012 – both of which were graded stakes races – by a combined 20 ¼ lengths. However, she has not worked since June 10 and was shipped to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital for examination and has not returned to the work tab.


Centre Court: This filly did not break her maiden until May, when she dominated a nine-furlong turf maiden at Churchill Downs. She then took two graded stakes: the Regret Stakes (GIII) and the Lake George Stakes (GII). Centre Court is certainly among the best grass fillies in the nation.

Contested: This filly was undefeated this year until she finished last in the Mother Goose. However, prior to that, she was brilliant, taking not only the Eight Belles Stakes (GIII), but the Acorn Stakes (GI). This filly appears to be more suited to distances shorter than nine furlongs. However, she is expected to contest in the Alabama Stakes (GI) at ten furlongs.

Disposablepleasure: A graded stakes-winning juvenile, Disposablepleasure is winless this year. However, she has finished in the money in three of her five starts this year. She finished a lackluster fourth in the Coaching Club American Oaks (GI) on July 21.

Dixie Strike: A stakes winner in Florida earlier this year who finished third in a graded stakes at Gulfstream and fifth in the Ashland Stakes (GI) at Keeneland, the Ontario-bred Dixie Strike found her groove in Canada. After winning the Selene Stakes (GIII), Dixie Strike was soundly defeated in the Woodbine Oaks but then finished a good third against males in the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, the Queen’s Plate Stakes. She then defeated males in the second jewel, the Prince of Wales Stakes. Perhaps Dixie Strike is more competitive in Canada than in the United States, but she is certainly a talented filly. She could start next in the Alabama.

Eden’s Moon: After breaking her maiden in January at Santa Anita, Eden’s Moon easily won the Las Virgenes Stakes (GI) before finishing third in the Santa Anita Oaks (GI). Following a last-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks, Eden’s Moon finished a nose short in the Hollywood Oaks (GII) over the synthetic. She made her turf debut on July 22, impressively winning the San Clemente Handicap (GII) at Del Mar. She seems to have found her niche on the grass.

Grace Hall: One of the top juvenile fillies last year, Grace Hall has never finished out of the money. A graded stakes winner at Gulfstream earlier this year, Grace Hall finished a good third in the Kentucky Oaks prior to returning on July 14 to effortlessly take the Delaware Oaks (GII). Though she does not have a grade one victory to her credit this year, I believe Grace Hall is among the top two of this division and she could prove that in the Alabama.

In Lingerie: A filly who has never finished out of the money, In Lingerie scored her first graded stakes victory in her graded stakes debut, dominating the Bourbonette Oaks (GIII) at Turfway in March. She then overcame great trouble to win the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (GIII) before finishing a decent third in the July 21 Coaching Club American Oaks.

Karlovy Vary: This filly broke through with a win in the Ashland, but then finished a poor twelfth in the Kentucky Oaks. However, Karlovy Vary then rebounded with an easy win in an allowance optional claiming over the Churchill Downs turf. She recently finished a decent third in the Nani Rose Stakes over Saratoga's turf course.

Lady of Shamrock: Recent winner of the American Oaks Stakes (GI), Lady of Shamrock has not finished off the board this year. A filly with an obvious affinity for Southern California turf courses, Lady of Shamrock could certainly have an advantage come the Breeders’ Cup. Obviously, this filly is more effective on turf than dirt, but I believe she is among the very best turf fillies in this division. She will likely race next in the Del Mar Oaks (GI).

My Miss Aurelia
Photo by Terri Cage

My Miss Aurelia: The champion juvenile filly from last year, My Miss Aurelia has not made a start yet this year due to a shin injury. However, she has been working steadily and is currently at Saratoga, preparing for a possible start in the Monmouth Oaks (GIII).

On Fire Baby: This filly was a top two-year-old last year, winning two graded stakes at Churchill. Following a good effort against males at Oaklawn, On Fire Baby won the Honeybee Stakes (GIII). However, she has been lackluster since then, finishing fifth in the Kentucky Oaks and fourth in the Acorn. She has had no workouts in the past sixty days.


Potesta: After finishing third in her debut in March, Potesta crushed a field in a mile and one-sixteenth maiden at Hollywood over the cushion track. Most recently, she took the Hollywood Oaks (GII) by a nose. She has plenty of learning to do, but is full of raw talent.

Questing: A filly who began her career in Great Britain, Questing took a while to get into the swing of things in the United States. She broke through with an easy victory in an allowance optional claiming at Belmont Park, following up that win with a green but dominant triumph in the Coaching Club American Oaks. She still has some growing up to do, but I believe Questing is among the best two in this division.

Reneesgotzip: A filly who has never competed outside of California, this daughter of City Zip won the Santa Ynez Stakes (GII) in January prior to finishing second in both the Las Virgenes and the Santa Anita Oaks. Her most recent start came in early May, when she won an allowance at Hollywood Park. She has not posted a work since May 21.

Stephanie’s Kitten: The winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (GII) and Alcibiades Stakes (GI) was third in the Ashland prior to winning the ungraded Edgewood Stakes over the Churchill Downs turf course. She recently finished a close fourth in the Lake George, experiencing a tough trip.

Winding Way: A full sister to the brilliant two-year-old maiden winner Kauai Katie, this filly has proven to be as impressive as her sister. After winning a six-furlong maiden at Hollywood Park by nearly five lengths, the filly dominated a six and one-half-furlong allowance optional claiming by 7 ¼ lengths at Del Mar. She will need to show what she can do against graded stakes company, but this is certainly a remarkable filly.

Zo Impressive: This gray filly dominantly won her first two career starts at Gulfstream Park early this year, the latter of which she defeated In Lingerie in. Following a runner-up finish behind Grace Hall in the Gulfstream Oaks Stakes (GII) and another second-place finish in the Acorn, Zo Impressive took the Mother Goose. She then finished a sound second behind Questing in the Coaching Club American Oaks.

This division seems to be one that consists of horses that take turns beating each other. Grace Hall and Questing appear to be at the top, but Eden's Moon and Lady of Shamrock are certainly at the top of the turf three-year-old fillies, though Karlovy Vary and Stephanie's Kitten could continue to rebound. Horses like In Lingerie, Winding Way, and Zo Impressive should not be ignored, either. This division has some sorting out to do.

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Older Males Roundup

Miles and hours apart, two premier older horses scored victories in high-class races on both coasts this previous Saturday. These two horses furthered proved how deep of a division the handicap division is this year – much more competitive than last year. Combined with talented three-year-olds such as Bodemeister and Paynter, brilliant international horses such as perhaps Camelot and Nathaniel, and spectacular females such as possibly Royal Delta, the United States’ deep older male string could put on quite a show in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) at Santa Anita this fall.

Here is a look at thirteen older horses that could possibly make a start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita this fall:

Acclamation: Capturing three grade ones last year, Acclamation earned the Eclipse Award for Champion Older Male. Acclamation has only raced once so far this year, taking the Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (GI) for the third year in a row.

Though Acclamation is a turf horse, he often trains on dirt and is certainly acclimated to Santa Anita. He is an absolutely brilliant individual, but I would rather see him compete on the turf at the Breeders' Cup.

Alternation: This Donnie K. Von Hemel trainee made headlines last year when he won the Peter Pan Stakes (GII) at Belmont Park. He was then winless for the next ten months, returning to the winner’s circle when he easily took the Essex Handicap at Oaklawn Park this February to kick off his 2012 campaign. He then reeled off victories in the Razorback Handicap (GIII), Oaklawn Handicap (GII), and Pimlico Special Stakes (GIII). Alternation suffered his first defeat of the year in the Stephen Foster Handicap (GI), lacking the needed rally and thus finishing fifth amongst a very competitive field.

Alternation is certainly a classy horse and it would not surprise me in the least if he rebounds and continues to be one of the top handicap horses in the nation.

Fort Larned: This four-year-old began 2012 with a fourth-place finish in a handicap at Tampa Bay Downs, which he followed up with a win in the Challenger Stakes at the same track, a race that produced last year’s winner of the BC Classic, Drosselmeyer. Following an easy win in the mile and one-sixteenth Skip Away Stakes (GIII) at Gulfstream Park, Fort Larned ran a game second in the Alysheba Stakes (GII) behind Successful Dan. Fort Larned was bothered in the Stephen Foster Handicap and did not run well, finishing last. However, he rebounded in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (GIII), effortlessly defeating Successful Dan. In his three-length victory in that nine-furlong event, Fort Larned appeared as if he could continue for another furlong.

His sire, E Dubai, was a graded stakes winner at ten furlongs, but primarily sires successful sprinters and middle-distance runners. However, Fort Larned’s damsire, Broad Brush was successful at the classic distance. Not only will Fort Larned need to prove that he can be victorious at longer distances, but he will need to show that he can be more competitive against top rivals than he was in the Foster.

Game on Dude
Photo by Mary Cage

Game on Dude: A gelding who came within 1 ½ lengths of winning the Classic last year, Game on Dude capped off 2011 with two grade one victories and ten Horse of the Year votes. He commenced this year with an easy win in the San Antonio Stakes (GII) at his home track, Santa Anita – the track at which the Breeders’ Cup will be held this year. After a disappointing run in the Dubai World Cup (GI) in the United Arab Emirates, Game on Dude returned to the United States and returned to the races approximately two months later, trouncing the field in the Californian Stakes (GII). Game on Dude scored his first grade one victory of the year this past weekend in the Hollywood Gold Cup (GI), easily crossing the wire ahead of stablemate Richard’s Kid.

Game on Dude has proven he is among the top two premier handicap horses in the nation, if not the very best. As if his obvious talent wasn’t enough, Game on Dude has home field advantage. A big year for Game on Dude appears to be in the makings.

Hymn Book: This Shug McGaughey trainee had a fairly successful year last year, winning two stakes and placing in a pair of graded stakes, including the Cigar Mile Handicap (GI). He began 2012 with a win in the Donn Handicap (GI), after which he finished fourth in the Oaklawn Handicap and fifth in the Pimlico Special. He rebounded in the Suburban Handicap (GII), finishing a good second behind the impressive Mucho Macho Man.

Hymn Book is a talented racehorse, but will need to return to his winning ways. Nonetheless, he is a horse that should not be ignored and that could easily find the winner’s circle again.

Mission Impazible: Winless since taking last year’s New Orleans Handicap (GII), Mission Impazible has finished in the money in four graded stakes, including three grade ones. In fact, the dark gray horse came within a neck of winning the 2011 Stephen Foster Handicap and within a nose of taking the Donn Handicap. After a second-place result in this year’s renewal of the New Orleans Handicap, Mission Impazible finished a close fourth in the Pimlico Special and a dull seventh in the Foster. 

Mission Impazible will need to return to his winning ways, but the potential has always been there for him.

Mucho Macho Man: One of three horses who competed in each Triple Crown race last year, Kentucky Derby (GI) third-place finisher Mucho Macho Man returned to the races in winning style last November, easily taking an allowance optional claiming at Aqueduct. He commenced 2012 with an easy victory over Ron the Greek in the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes before effortlessly taking the Gulfstream Park Handicap (GII). Mucho Macho Man suffered his first defeat of the season in the Alysheba Stakes, finishing a distant third. However, he rebounded in the Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park with Hall of Famer Mike Smith aboard for the first time, capturing the race by an easy 2 ½ lengths in an impressive final time of 1:46.58 for nine furlongs.

Mucho Macho Man is among the very best of the older male division and is considered the best by many. He is certainly a classy horse and is maturing very well. He is a force to be reckoned with.

Richard’s Kid: Following a rather unsuccessful five-race period in Dubai, this two-time Pacific Classic Stakes (GI) winner returned to the care of Bob Baffert in southern California. Richard’s Kid resumed his United States career with a dominant win in the Prove It Stakes at Hollywood Park, which he followed up with a good second behind stablemate Game on Dude in the Hollywood Gold Cup.

Richard’s Kid clearly appears to be second best when it comes to being compared to his stablemate. However, he is an excellent racehorse, especially in California. I believe he has more victories in his future.

Ron the Greek: After winning the LeComte Stakes (GIII) as a three-year-old, Ron the Greek went winless for nearly twenty-two months. He returned to the winner’s circle at Aqueduct, winning two ungraded stakes. Following a second-place finish in the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes behind Mucho Macho Man, Ron the Greek was shipped to California for the Santa Anita Handicap (GI), which he won by an easy 3 ½ lengths to score his first grade one victory. After a second-place finish behind Alternation in the Oaklawn Handicap, Ron the Greek got revenge in the Foster, posting his second grade one triumph.

Ron the Greek has proven to be amid the absolute best of the older male division and clearly has an affinity for the Santa Anita surface. I believe he could continue to have a very productive rest of the year, as well as a strong effort at the Breeders’ Cup this fall.

Rule: A successful two-year-old and early three-year-old, Rule missed nearly ten months of racing before returning with a runner-up effort in the Hal’s Hope Stakes (GIII). Following four more defeats, Rule captured an ungraded stakes at Saratoga. He then finished third in the Woodward Stakes (GI), but then crossed the wire a disappointing seventh in the Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap (GII). His five-year-old debut was a winning one: an easy win in the Monmouth Cup Stakes (GII).

Rule is a talented colt, but he will need to step it up to be competitive with the very best.

Successful Dan: Lightly raced, Successful Dan has three graded stakes victories to his credit. He returned from an injury this year, winning an allowance optional claiming event at Keeneland prior to taking the Alysheba. He then was handily defeated by Fort Larned in the Cornhusker.

Successful Dan is overshadowed by his younger half-brother, Wise Dan, though he is quite talented himself. However, many doubt his ability to win at ten furlongs. He appeared as if he could go another furlong when he won the Cornhusker, but ten furlongs appears to be a stretch for him nonetheless.

To Honor and Serve: A multiple graded stakes-winning two-year-old, To Honor and Serve missed the Triple Crown due to injury but returned to win the Pennsylvania Derby (GII). Following a poor finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, To Honor and Serve impressively captured the Cigar Mile. To commence his 2012 season, To Honor and Serve dominantly won the Westchester Stakes (GIII) at Belmont. He then finished a decent third in the Metropolitan Handicap (GI) prior to crossing the wire a disappointing fourth in the Suburban, beaten 7 ½ lengths.

To Honor and Serve is a classy individual but often appears to be overrated. He will need to start bringing his A-game.

Wise Dan: This Morton Fink homebred put an exclamation mark at the end of 2011 by impressively winning both the Fayette Stakes (GII) and the Clark Handicap (GI). Wise Dan began 2012 with a dominant, record-breaking victory in the Ben Ali Stakes (GIII) at Keeneland. He then finished a head behind Ron the Greek in the Foster.

Wise Dan is a brilliant racehorse and definitely should not be forgotten. More victories from him would not be surprising in the least.

Of course, there are other horses, such as Stay Thirsty and Shackleford, in this division, but Stay Thirsty has not appeared to be at his best lately and I believe Shackleford is more suited to the Dirt Mile (though there is a slight chance he could go in the Classic). Nonetheless, what a division this is in 2012!

Sophomore Fillies Roundup

The trend for the past several years in racing has been girl power. Racing fans have enjoyed watching Black Caviar, Blind Luck, Goldikova, Havre de Grace, Rags to Riches, Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, and many others. It looks as if this trend will continue, as 2011 Horse of the Year Havre de Grace is returning, 2011 Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Royal Delta is preparing for a great year that should include the Dubai World Cup (GI), and 2010 Champion Two-Year-Old Filly Awesome Feather looks to remain perfect after her dominating win in the Florida Sunshine Millions Distaff.

But what about the three-year-old fillies of 2012? Two of the top newly-turned three-year-old fillies – 2011 Champion Two-Year-Old Filly My Miss Aurelia and two-time grade one-winning Weemissfrankie – are out due to injuries. We must turn our attention to other sophomore fillies, including the ones listed below.

Agave Kiss: She has raced solely in New York and only one of her starts has not been against restricted company. However, she has been very dominant. Her first two starts – a state-bred maiden special weight at Belmont and a state-bred allowance at Aqueduct – were won by a combined winning margin of 16 ¾ lengths. Agave Kiss’ initial start against open company came in the Ruthless Stakes at Aqueduct, which she won by 3 ¼ lengths. She is by Lion Heart – winner of the Hollywood Futurity (GI, 8.5F) and the Haskell Invitational Handicap (GI, 9F) and runner-up in the Kentucky Derby (GI, 10F) – and out of the one-mile Delta Princess Stakes winner and Santa Ysabel Stakes (GIII, 8.5) runner-up, Salty Romance. She is inbred 5 X 5 to both Northern Dancer and Raise a Native. Her connections may not plan to run her much outside of New York, but I feel that it would be very exciting to see her race outside of the Big Apple. For more on Agave Kiss, please read my articles here and here.

Applauding: One of the most impressive fillies on this list, Applauding caused jaws to drop when she debuted at Keeneland in October. In that race, she sat off the pace before sweeping to the lead as the field neared the top of the stretch. She never looked back from there, winning the race by 9 lengths in a track record time of 1:07.76 for six furlongs. She made her second start in early December at the Fair Grounds in a six-furlong first-level allowance. After leading from start to finish, Applauding crossed the wire six lengths in front. She was entered in the Silverbulletday Stakes at the Fair Grounds for January 21, but was scratched due to a small bout of colic. By an A.P. Indy son in Congrats and out of a Forestry mare, Applauding definitely has spectacular bloodlines. She is on track for the Fair Grounds Oaks (GII) on March 31.

Broadway’s Alibi: This filly made her first two starts in maiden special weights at Delaware Park, finishing second by a length in her debut before dominating her second start by seven lengths. She did not start for another three months, when she triumphed by five lengths in a six and one-half-furlong allowance optional claiming at Gulfstream Park. She then tried graded stakes company in the seven-furlong Forward Gal Stakes (GII) at Gulfstream on January 29, bounding home to win by an astounding 16 ¾ lengths over a sloppy track. There is doubt in her ability to stretch out, as her sire, Vindication, has primarily been a sire of sprinters and her dam, the graded stakes-winning Strawberry Reason, only won at the distance of a mile and one-sixteenth. Perhaps routing will not be to her liking, but I expect that Broadway’s Alibi will continue to be impressive.

Eden’s Moon: In mid-December, Eden’s Moon made her debut at Hollywood Park, finishing 2 ¼ lengths behind the future Santa Ynez Stakes (GII) winner, Reneesgotzip. She made her first three-year-old start three weeks later, leading from start to finish and winning by an outstanding 11 ½ lengths. By a son of A.P. Indy in Malibu Moon and out of a Giant’s Causeway mare, her pedigree suggests that she will have no trouble with routing. It also helps that her fifth dam – Pange – is a Reine De Course mare who produced the champion Prince Royal II and is the granddam of the ill-fated but great Landaluce. Trainer Bob Baffert scratched her from the Santa Ysabel Stakes (GIII) on January 28.

Grace Hall: Prior to her second-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI), Grace Hall was undefeated. However, being defeated by My Miss Aurelia was not a disgrace. Now that My Miss Aurelia is out, Grace Hall finds herself at the top of many lists as far as sophomore fillies are concerned. After a three-length maiden victory at Delaware Park, she traveled to Saratoga to take the Spinaway Stakes (GI) by nearly two lengths. She then returned to Delaware for her final win of 2011: an effortless victory in the Blue Hen Stakes. Grace Hall is by the Belmont Stakes-winning Empire Maker and out of the Irish-bred stakes-winning mare Season’s Greetings. Tracing back to horses such as Seattle Slew, Riva Ridge, and the Reine De Course mare Comely Nell, it doesn’t seem as if long distances will be a problem for Grace Hall. Trainer Tony Dutrow is preparing her for a start in the Davona Dale Stakes (GII) at Gulfstream on February 25.

Killer Graces: Following a nose defeat in her maiden special weight debut, Killer Graces captured two ungraded stakes at Hollywood Park. After two disappointing finishes in Del Mar graded stakes races, the chestnut filly finished second in a pair of ungraded stakes. She then garnered her first grade one victory in the Hollywood Starlet Stakes (GI), in which her smooth stride carried her to a half-length victory. Her most recent start came on January 28 in the Santa Ysabel Stakes (GIII) and when the winner got an easy lead, it made it difficult for Killer Graces to keep up, which led to her second-place finish. By the multiple grade one-winning Congaree and out of an Old Trieste mare, Killer Graces definitely has plenty of speed and stamina in her pedigree. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer is preparing her for a start in the Las Virgenes Stakes (GI) at Santa Anita on March 3.

Now I Know: Undefeated in six starts, Now I Know won her first four starts at Remington Park by a combined 17 ½ lengths. One of those wins was a 9 ¼-length victory in the state-bred Oklahoma Classics Lassie Stakes. After that win, she made her first start outside of Oklahoma at Delta Downs in the Delta Downs Princess Stakes (GIII), which she won by 4 lengths. She made her sophomore debut on January 14 in the Dixie Belle Stakes at Oaklawn Park, holding off Amie’s Dini to win by 1 ¼ lengths. By a son of Storm Cat in the 2002 Kentucky Cup Classic Handicap (GII, 9F) winner Pure Prize and out of a Maria’s Mon mare in Now U Know, Now I Know definitely has an impressive pedigree. She is also very impressive on the track and is pointing toward the Martha Washington Stakes – a race that has been won by the likes of Eight Belles and Rachel Alexandra – at Oaklawn Park on February 11 for trainer Donnie K. Von Hemel, who won the race in 2006 with Brownie Points.

Princess Arabella: She has only started once, but she was incredibly impressive in that start. On New Year’s Eve, the Bob Baffert trainee debuted at Santa Anita in a six-furlong maiden special weight. After a poor break from the gate, Princess Arabella gained ground on the leaders with every stride, never decelerating. With a breathtaking move on the outside on the far turn, the chestnut filly swept to the lead with ease under very slight urging from Martin Garcia. By the Haskell winner Any Given Saturday and out of a Thunder Gulch mare, Princess Arabella’s pedigree hints that she will handle a stretch out in distance. She has many tests to pass, but she seems to have the sheer talent and pedigree that will allow her to pass with flying colors.

Reneesgotzip: After soundly defeating Eden’s Moon in her debut, Reneesgotzip tried graded stakes company in her three-year-old debut. On January 15, the chestnut filly dominated the Santa Ynez Stakes (GII) by 7 ¾ lengths, leading from start to finish to defeat five other fillies. She is by City Zip and out of a Distorted Humor mare and is inbred 3 X 4 to Northern Dancer. Trainer Peter Miller is pointing her towards the Las Virgenes Stakes (GI) at Santa Anita on March 3.

Table Three Ten: After her impressive victory in her debut at the Fair Grounds in November, this Cobra Farm-bred filly was purchased by Team Valor. She made her first start for Team Valor and trainer Graham Motion under John Velazquez – the same connections that teamed up to win the 2011 Kentucky Derby – on January 27 in an allowance race at Gulfstream. Sent off as the heavy favorite, she won the six and one-half-furlong race by 1 ¾ lengths. She is by El Prado and out of a stakes-place More Than Ready mare. She traces back to the influential Northern Dancer three times throughout her pedigree and is inbred 5 X 5 to Hail to Reason and 4 X 5 to Special. Her next start is unknown.

Twelve Folds: After two tough losses – one by a nose and one by a head – in her first two starts, Twelve Folds finally got to show the world what she was made of. In a five and one-half California-bred maiden special weight, she won by 8 ¼ lengths. Only one of her starts has been against open company, but she still performed well, finishing second by a head. By a young son of Indian Charlie in Cindago and out of a Tiger Ridge mare, Twelve Folds’ pedigree is not exactly as spectacular as some of the other fillies on this list. However, her fourth dam, Bali Babe, is the dam of 1999 Horse of the Year Charismatic and her sixth dam, Grass Shack, is a Reine De Course mare.

Willa B Awesome: The most heavily raced filly on this list, Willa B Awesome has started ten times. Three of those starts have resulted in victories, two of which were in stakes races. After a win against state-bred maidens in her debut at Hollywood Park, she tried open company in the Cinderella Stakes, finishing third behind the future grade one-winning Killer Graces. Following three unsuccessful stakes tries – two state-bred stakes and one graded stakes – at Del Mar, trainer Walther Solis shipped her to Fairplex Park for the Barrets Debutante Stakes, in which she won by nearly three lengths. After three in-the-money finishes in stakes races – two of which were against California-breds, Willa B Awesome tried graded stakes company in the Santa Ysabel Stakes (GIII) on January 28. She got in easy lead in that race and therefore was able to score by 3 ½ lengths. By a Coronado’s Quest son in Awesome Gambler, most of the appeal in Willa B Awesome’s pedigree is on her sire’s side. However, her fifth dam, Belthazar, is a Reine De Course mare and the final foal sired by the 1937 Triple Crown winner War Admiral. Willa B Awesome will need to continue to prove herself against open company, but she is without a doubt a talented filly.


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