Stephanie's Kitten Returns a Winner at Tampa
Image:
Description:
Stephanie's Kitten was ready to run in her return to the races, as she took the $150,000 Hillsborough Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Tampa Bay Downs March 7 .
It was her first start since finishing second in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) at Santa Anita Park Nov. 1.
Sent off as the 7-5 favorite in the field of 10, Stephanie's Kitten rallied along the rail through the stretch under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez to prevail for the ninth time from 20 career starts for owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey. Racing in midpack for most of the race, Stephanie's Kitten turned for home full of run and easily went by Speed Seeker, who had the lead at the top of the stretch, to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths over stablemate Ball Dancing, who got up to be second over Speed Seeker.
"(Stephanie's Kitten) really ran well," said Chad Brown, who also trains Ball Dancing. "Both of them did. It's hard to run them against each other. They are both grade I-level horses, obviously, but with limited options we wanted to kick their years off right around now. They'll both go on to do great things, I'm sure.
"Historically, Stephanie's Kitten hasn't run that well off a layoff. She was off the board in her first two starts last year, and at that time I questioned whether maybe she doesn't want to do it anymore. Then in third start she ran terrific, and from there she had a great year. With Ball Dancing, I ran her twice last year and she ran terrific. They have both been training together and been terrific in the mornings."
Stephanie's Kitten was scheduled to be sold last fall in the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky selected fall mixed sale but failed to meet her $4 million reserve, so the Ramseys decided to race her in 2015.
"Stephanie's Kitten was in the sale and I didn't expect to have her back at all," Brown said. "Judging by her first start today, it looks like a good decision by the Ramseys to bring her back."
Maria Maria got up to be fourth and was followed by second-choice Filimbi, Principessa Ava, Lots o' Lex, Night Song, Sparkling Review, and pacesetter St. Borealis, who weakened to last. Lori's Store and Pink Poppy were both scratched from the race.
Stephanie's Kitten covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.05 and returned $4.80 to win, $3 to place, and $2.40 to show. Ball Dancing paid $4.60 to place and $3.40 to show, while Speed Seeker returned $13.40 to show.
"It couldn't have worked out better," Velazquez said. "Edgard (Zayas, on Ball Dancing) tucked in behind the leaders and I followed him. I was confident when I asked her she would respond like she can. Edgar moved off the rail in the turn and I stayed inside and waited for room. When the opening came entering the stretch, she answered and we were gone."
Stephanie's Kitten was bred in Kentucky by the Ramseys and is by Kitten's Joy out of Unfold the Rose.