Pletcher Spinaway Contenders Breeze

Sweet Whiskey and Stopchargingmaria, two Todd Pletcher-trained fillies headed to the $300,000 Spinaway Stakes (gr. I), worked on the Saratoga Race Course main track Aug. 26.

Working in company with Elena Strikes, Stopchargingmaria was clocked in 1:00.84 for five furlongs on the main track. Working by herself, Sweet Whiskey blazed through a half-mile in :47.69, also on the main track, the fastest of 48 horses at the distance.

"(Sweet Whiskey) was impressive. I wasn't surprised she did that," said Pletcher. "She's a pretty forward-training filly that's pretty fast. She wasn't being asked to do it; she was doing it because she was happy."

Sweet Whiskey won her debut by 5 1/4 lengths Aug. 11 in 1:02.81 for 5 1/2 furlongs. Stopchargingmaria won her debut July 19 by 5 1/2 lengths, covering the same distance in 1:04.69.

"I thought that both fillies were very, very good," said Pletcher. "I'm really pleased with the way they went, and we're optimistic."

Plans remain uncertain for 3-year-old filly Princess of Sylmar, a winner of three consecutive grade I stakes—the Kentucky Oaks, TVG Coaching Club American Oaks, and the Aug. 17 Alabama.

Races being considered include the Beldame Invitational (gr. I) at Belmont Park Sept. 28 against older horses going 1 1/8 miles, and the Cotillion (gr. I) at Parx Racing on Sept. 21 against fellow 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles.

"Whatever we decide to do with Princess of Sylmar will be based on what's best for Princess of Sylmar," Pletcher said. "You can make a lot of pros for the Cotillion if you like, no question about it. It's a short ship, but you still have to get on a van and go do it, as opposed to just walking out of your stall."

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