Promising Fillies Clash in Bonnie Miss
The Florida Derby will almost certainly point out contenders for the Kentucky Derby and the Bonnie Miss for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles should yield a leading prospect or two for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) the day before at Churchill Downs.
The probable favorites in the field of six 3-year-old fillies are IEAH Stables and partners’ Amen Hallelujah with Julien Leparoux aboard for trainer Rick Dutrow and Michael Imperio and Kona Stable’s Christine Daae to be ridden by Corey Nakatani for trainer Patrick Biancone.
Leparoux gets a return call on Amen Hallelujah after they teamed up for a very impressive 6 ¼ lengths victory in the one-mile Davona Dale Stakes (G2) on Feb. 27. The Florida-bred daughter of Montbrook had made all seven of her previous starts on synthetic surfaces in California, including the Santa Ynez Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita on Jan. 16.
Christine Daae is a chestnut daughter of Giant’s Causeway making her fourth career start and stakes debut in the Bonnie Miss. She finished fourth in her only start last year at Hollywood Park, but has flashed potential brilliance winning her two starts at Gulfstream, a maiden score by 8 ¾ lengths and 1 1/8 miles allowance last out on Feb. 28 by 2 ¾ lengths.
Another contender with established stakes credentials in the Bonnie Miss is Glencrest Farm’s Devil May Care, winner of the Frizette Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park last fall in only her second career start for trainer Todd Pletcher after an impressive debut victory at Saratoga.
A daughter of Malibu Moon, Devil May Care experienced a very rough trip finishing 11th of 12 in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Santa Anita on Nov. 6 and finished fifth as the favorite in the Silverbulletday Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds on Feb. 20 in her only appearance since then after acting up at the gate before the start.
Invading from California for the Bonnie Miss is C.R.K. Stable’s Switch with jockey Tyler Baze coming along for the ride for trainer John Sadler. The Kentucky-bred daughter of Quiet American has made three starts, winning her debut at Hollywood Park in December, finishing third to Amen Hallelujah in the Santa Ynez in January and third last out in the Las Virgenes Stakes (G1) on Feb. 13, beaten a half-length by Blind Luck.
Completing the field for the Bonnie Miss are Breakin Wind Farm’s Danny’s Friend, Eduardo Nunez; and Rose Family Stable’s Joanie’s Catch, Paco Lopez.