Mitchell Road Represents Family in Gallorette Stakes
Image:
Description:
Photo: Jim Duley/Maryland Jockey Club
Mitchell Road wins the Gallorette Stakes at Pimlico Race Course
Country House might not have been at Pimlico Race Course on Preakness Stakes Day, but his half sister Mitchell Road did the family proud May 18 when she drew off to win the $150,000 Gallorette Stakes (G3T).
Bred in Kentucky by the late J.V. Shields Jr. and campaigned by his widow, Mrs. J.V. Shields Jr., and his nephew Eugene "Guinness" McFadden, Mitchell Road put Shields' legacy back in the headlines just two weeks after Country House was elevated to victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1). Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott conditions both horses.
The 4-year-old English Channel filly seized control soon after the break in the 1 1/16-mile turf test and set a rated pace in the two path under jockey Joel Rosario. After an opening quarter in :23.28 and a half in :47.07, Rosario let his mount stretch her advantage to two lengths through three-quarters in 1:10.59, then set her down in upper stretch for the drive. The filly responded with a 1:34.94 mile, kept on under stout right-handed rousing leaving the eighth pole, and was kept to the task to clearly prove best in the final 70 yards. The final time was 1:41.21 on firm turf.
"She broke away on the lead and was just looking around, enjoying what she was doing," Rosario said. "She is a good-moving filly, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to ride her. She was comfortable. (In the stretch), I just wanted to ride her just in case some other horse might come up on her."
Thewayiam closed from midpack to finish second, a half-length in front of Viva Vegas.
Sent off as the 2-1 choice in an eight-horse field, Mitchell Road returned $6.20 on a $2 win ticket.
"She's developed with age into a very nice filly," said Riley Mott, assistant to his father. "She showed talent from day one. She's never been out of the exacta, and she's developed into a very nice filly."
It was the fourth consecutive victory for Mitchell Road, whose previous start was the Feb. 16 Albert M. Stall Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
"She got a little bit sick after her race at the Fair Grounds and needed a little time to recuperate, which is why you're only seeing her now at Pimlico," Riley Mott said.
Mitchell Road is out of the War Chant mare Quake Lake, a half sister to graded stakes winner Breaking Lucky. Quake Lake died shortly after foaling Country House. Mitchell Road improved her record to five wins and two seconds from seven starts, with earnings of $244,570.
The June 8 Longines Just a Game Stakes (G1T) at Belmont Park could be a possible target for Mitchell Road, but for now her connections are savoring their latest victory.
"Obviously, we have to see how she comes out of this and talk to the ownership," Riley Mott said. "We'll enjoy this; she gave her little brother a big update there."