The Honeybee- Grade III
OP Race 1 1 1/16M Dirt
Purse $200.000 for Fillies
Three Year Olds
1st Manifest, trained by Smokey Stover
Broke well and was able to get to the rail as they entered the first turn. Raced 2-3 lengths from the lead while they raced down the backstretch. Angled out as they entered the far turn and slowly began making up ground. Wore down Millinneal as they came down the stretch, took the lead with a furlong to go and held off a fast closing Confidently In Love at the finish.
2nd Confidently In Love, trained by Mb Stables
Was taken up as they left the starting gate and moved to the inside, one spot off the rail. Continued racing there down the backstretch 5 lengths off a moderate pace being set by Broomsticks Concerto. Slowly started to make up ground as they made their way around the turn but still had a lot of work to do as they entered the stretch. Weaved her way through tiring horses but came up a half length short at the wire.
3rd Indian River Queen, trained by South Beach racing
Caught 3 wide around the first turn as she raced alongside Millinneal and eventual winner Manifest. Was not able to improve her position as they moved down the backstretch and was still caught wide as they entered the far turn. Was pushed out even wider as they moved into the stretch as she raced evenly and was able to secure the show.
4th Millinneal, trained by Mb Stables
Raced in between Manifest and Indian River Queen as they entered the first turn. Gradually made up ground as they went down the backstretch and around the far turn. Made her way to the front as they entered the stretch but tired late to finish fourth.
Summary
Manifest quickly justified her large purchase price with an impressive win that likely stamped her ticket to the Kentucky Oaks. Confidently In Love left herself a little bit too much to do since the past was not very fast but she is still in a good position to qualify for the Oaks and will be a major contender. Not sure that the rest of the field is Oaks quality although Indian River Queen held on gamely after a wide trip.
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
