Miz Ida Set for Best in Mint Julep

Miz Ida finished second as the even-money favorite in an allowance/optional claiming race on the Matt Winn Turf Course on May 12, her first start of 2013, and now will look to bounce back to top form in Saturday’s $100,000-added Early Times Mint Julep Handicap (Grade III) at Churchill Downs.

 

“She ran a good race off the layoff and hopefully she’ll move forward,” trainer Steve Margolis said. “I love the way she’s been training and she couldn’t be doing any better. We’re looking forward to the race.”

 

Miz Ida’s runner-up effort on May 12 was her first start since finishing fifth in the Mrs. Revere (GII) at Churchill Downs in November. Prior to the Mrs. Revere, she won a division of the Valley View (GIII) at Keeneland for Bert, Elaine and Richard Klein.

 

“We worked her six times, but she was going a distance off a layoff,” Margolis said. “She got to work on the turf here, so it wasn’t like she wasn’t ready, but there’s nothing like a race.”

 

A solid field of six is entered in the Early Times Mint Julep, including Grade I winner Daisy Devine.

 

“We know Daisy Devine is tough and Colonial Flag is a very good horse,” Margolis said. “Daisy Devine is the horse to beat. She’s a proven Grade I and Grade II winner.”

 

The Early Times Mint Julep Handicap is scheduled as Race 9 on Saturday’s 11-race program with a post time of 4:59 p.m. EDT.