In returning a generous $6.80 to win – the crowd of 3,203 made Pumpkin Shell the post-time favorite – What a Pear was never in a bad position. Jockey Channing Hill opted to place her on the rail and off the pace behind front-running My Anguilla, who showed the way around the clubhouse turn as Kiss and Fly Pressed the first quarter of a mile in 23.84 on Aqueduct’s fast inner dirt track.
Now 4-for-4, the E Dubai filly will likely come back in the Grade 1, $400,000 Ashland Stakes at Keenelad on April 4.
“It was ridiculous – in a great way!,” said trainer Joe Parker. “I can’t believe it. To go away from them like this, she ran huge. I’m ecstatic. When a horse performs like that, what do you need to say? The horse speaks for itself. A horse like that comes along only once in a while.”
Subprime was second, three-quarters of a length ahead of Pumpkin Shell. My Anguilla, Lilly of Paradise, Kiss and Fly and Driven by Passion trailed.

