LOUISVILLE, April 26, 2023) – Frank Fletcher Racing Operations’ $1.3 million earner Frank’s Rockette heads a field of six fillies and mares entered for Saturday night’s 13th running of the $175,000 Roxelana Overnight Stakes presented by LG&E KU at Churchill Downs.
The six-furlong main track test will go as the ninth race Saturday, a 10-race program that serves as the kickoff to the 44-day Spring Meet that will be highlighted by the 149th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby (GI) presented by Woodford Reserve on May 6. Post time for the Roxelana is 10:11 p.m. (all times Eastern)
Trained by Bill Mott, Frank’s Rockette is a five-time graded stakes winner with her past two starts producing an eight-length victory in the Hurricane Bertie (GIII) and a 12 ¼-length victory in the Sugar Swirl (GIII).
Junior Alvarado has the mount and will break from post one.
The top challenger to Frank’s Rockette looks to be Marylou Whitney Stables’ three-time stakes winner Pretty Birdie.
Trained by Norm Casse, Pretty Birdie has compiled a 3-1-2-0 at Churchill Downs with the runner-up efforts coming last spring in the Eight Belles (GII) and the Leslie Lady Stakes.
Luis Saez has the mount Saturday night and will break from post position five.
Another runner expected to draw support is Rigney Racing’s Coppelia.
Trained by Phil Bauer, Coppelia won the Dream Supreme (Listed) here last fall and will be making her 2023 debut. Tyler Gaffalione has the mount and will break from post position six.
The field for the Roxelana, with riders from the inside: Frank’s Rockette (Alvarado), Last Leaf (Corey Lanerie), Praise and Honor (Joe Rocco), My Destiny (Rey Gutierrez), Pretty Birdie (Saez) and Coppelia (Gaffalione)
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