It's Tricky Takes Top Flight In 2012 Debut

It's Tricky, runner-up in the 2011 Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic, made her first start in 2012 a winning one, taking the G2 Top Flight.

Facing a field of 5, It's Tricky was sent off the favorite in the 1 1/16 mile race. At the break, Love and Pride snagged the lead, while It's Tricky tracked in second, about 2 lengths behind. There was little change in running order through the moderate fractions of :24 and :47. Halfway on the backstretch, jockey Ramon Dominguez roused her to meet Love and Pride.

On the turn for home, It's Tricky closed the gap, but Love and Pride held on as the two fillies powered into the homestretch. It's Tricky drew away with deliberation to score by two lengths. Love and Pride managed to hold on for second. Bahama Bound was third. They covered the distance in 1:45.30.

It was a workmanlike effort for the daughter of Mineshaft, though trainer Kiaran McLaughlin was pleased with the win.

“It’s always tricky when you’re on a drying-out surface for everybody," McLaughlin said. "Todd [Pletcher’s] filly [Love and Pride] was going nice and we got to her, but I think that both were tired a little bit. Ramon [Dominguez] said she didn’t love the track, but she won, so we’re off to the races. I think it was a very good performance and she’ll improve from the race."

The next start for It's Tricky could be the G2 Rampart Stakes on March 31 at Gulfstream, though several options are available for the Godliphin-owned filly.