After not being able to bring home a share in this seasons Gr. I Kentucky Oaks in the mud, the mud played no factor in this victory as the sophomore chestnut filly got out on top at the quarter pole, then went on to earn this major victory.

• AP Matron Stakes- Grade III Purse $100.000
• Arlington Park- For Fillies and Mares Three years old and Upward
• Nine Furlongs- Main Track
• June 1st, 2019

While her former trainer kept this filly under a mile in trying to find her first win, trainer Mb Stables has used the distance and his ability to train winning horses going longer to help bring home her third victory in just four starts. Deliberate Miss was all full of run from the get go of this event, and rider Valdivia wasted no time to use that talent to his advantage. Knowing full well that once the front three got in front of his mount, he would quickly get her to the outside through the clubhouse turn to avoid any mud in her face. She would grab the top by the backstretch turn, and never look back.The five to two odds also proved that the betting public was willing to give her another chance to show her talents. Her final time here of 1:52.51 was a full two and one fifth seconds faster then her efforts in the Oaks, proving that she has all the ability. I think we may see Valdivia more in her future.

Placing second in this event was First Class Stable’s Blue Jeans who was making the switch back to the dirt since September of last season. Obviously the betting public was concerned with the change, letting her go off at some 28-1 odds come post time, and for some handicappers, they found the payoff of $75.200 for the 2-5 exacta much to there liking. Will be interesting to see after this effort if she will remain on the dirt surface for her future endeavors.

Rounding out the top three would be Nakamura Stables Obvious Deception ( 2-1) who was looking like she would hang for the runner-up money approaching the wire, but would be nipped out in the photo by a head to her outside. This was only her second try at the Graded level, and she definitely likes to run on late. She earned her best SRF figure with a 96 for the day.

The final pairing would be made up of Key To Class ( Toppedout ) who was made the 3-2 favorite, but was unable to duplicate he efforts in the Gr. III Beaumont in the mud earlier this season. This was her sixth start of the year, winning fifty percent of them. Finally Red Trance ( Fractious ) was all full of run out of the gate to the turn onto the backstretch, then seemed to get into a coast mode for the remainder of this event, finishing some eleven back of the winner. Hopefully her trainer will find a level for her soon, or switch back to a more suitable distance for her running style.

Duffer.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES