Prize Exhibit Stretches Out in Providencia

In her two starts at a mile in the U.S. since coming over from England, Prize Exhibit has given every indication she was in need of more distance. She'll get a chance to prove that when she stretches out to 1 1/8 miles in the Providencia Stakes (gr. IIIT) for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita Park April 4.

The English-bred daughter of Showcasing, trained by Jim Cassidy, made her U.S. debut in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (gr. IT) after having made eight starts in four months in England. Racing last in the 13-horse field, she rallied from 11th at the eighth pole to finish fourth, beaten 5 1/2 lengths by Lady Eli. In her only start this year, an allowance/optional claimer, she again turned in a strong stretch run to win by three-quarters of a length as if she were just getting started.

Now she stretches out an extra furlong in the 13-horse field that includes four recent maiden winners. She drew well in post 8 and will be ridden for the first time by Victor Espinoza.

Prize Exhibit's main competition should come from the Jerry Hollendorfer-trained Lutine Belle, whose only start on turf resulted in a victory in the Blue Norther Stakes at Santa Anita Jan. 1. Since then, the daughter of Bellamy Road   finished fifth in the grade I Las Virgenes Stakes Jan. 31. Lutine Belle also has a victory, a second, and a third in three starts over the Tapeta surface at Golden Gate Fields. She breaks from the rail under Alex Solis.

Just outside her in post 2 is Ol' Fashion Gal, winner of the Jimmy Durante Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Del Mar Racetrack last November. She returns to California following an unsuccessful trip to Florida, where she finished seventh in the grade III Sweetest Chant Stakes at Gulfstream Park for trainer Mark Casse. The daughter of Sky Mesa   carries topweight of 123 pounds and will be ridden by Elvis Trujillo.

Of the maiden winners, Frosty Friday, also trained by Casse, could be any kind after winning her only turf start, and second start of her career, by 3 1/4 lengths in a dominating performance. Mike Smith will be aboard.

Another recent European shipper who bears watching is the Richard Mandella-trained Spirit of Xian, who also came here after eight starts in Europe, finishing a fast-closing third in the 6 1/2-furlong Sweet Life Stakes at Santa Anita Feb. 14. Joe Talamo has the mount.