The most interesting aspect of the Wide Country Stakes, a 7-furlongs sprint for 3-year-old fillies is that it promises to feature a whole bunch of lightly raced promising young horses that may have a future even beyond the sprint ranks.
One is Pretty Edgy, who ran off the screen winning on debut at the claiming level, DEC 21. Trainer Richard Silliman has sat on the Competitive Edge filly until now to see what he might have. That’s pretty confident thinking, yes? Six furlongs in 1:09.80 after a half-mile in 45.65 speaks to her proven speed.
Another is Mo City, if Michael Stidham decides to ship north from Tampa, where he’s been enjoying a successful meet. After breaking maiden on debut by 5-1/4 lengths, she moved up in class and distance and was beaten by a neck in the Gasparilla, showing some greenness-bearing in-in the lane.
Both fillies have worked very well since their last race.
The one with the most experience, coupled with ability is the local filly, Bella Aurora. With a lifetime slate of (6) 3-1-2, her consistency is admirable. She finished send in a local stake to the talented Elbolden and last time out won in similar company in her lone start at today’s trip.
Even if the lightly raced duo have the talent to handle today’s dynamics, they still would have the fast-and-consistent working Michael Trombetta filly to beat. Check out her recent local stakes win, RACE 5 on DEC 28.
Her spacing is perfect into this. Further, note on replay that she bobbled ever so slightly at the break, was confidently handled by Julien Pimentel in the back of the back and briefly was last of eight leaving mid-turn. She was ridden out, stick down, after gaining the lead in the midstretch. Nice filly.
