Royale Michele Steps Up, Wins Fritchie

Royale Michele came from off the pace to win the $150,000 Barbara Fritchie Handicap (gr. II) Feb. 14 at Laurel Park, holding sway over unlucky favorite Seventh Street for her first graded victory.

Barbara Fritchie Attracts Nice Field

A bang-up edition of the Barbara Fritchie Handicap (gr. II) has attracted eight fillies and mares led by New York shipper Seventh Street, grade I winner Dream Rush, and By the Light from the powerful Richard Dutrow stable. All three will vie for favoritism in the seven-furlong main track test Feb. 14 at Laurel Park.

Proud Spell Eyes Big Purse in Cotillion

On Sept. 20, Proud Spell will shoot for her biggest payday to date, as she takes on six rivals in the $750,000 Fitz Dixon Cotillion (gr. II) at Philadelphia Park Casino & Racetrack. On paper, the 1 1/16-mile dirt event is a significant step down in class for the Proud Citizen filly, who has won four times this season, including the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and Alabama Stakes (gr. I).

Prioress: Indian Blessing Back On Top

Cutting back to six furlongs, Hal and Patti Earnhardt's Eclipse Award-winning filly Indian Blessing returned to the winner's circle for the first time since February, as she took over at the top of the stretch and drew away for a convincing five-length score in the $250,000 Prioress Stakes (gr. I) July 5 in the mud at Belmont Park.

Indian Blessing Cuts Back For Prioress

Bob Baffert offered no excuses for his prized filly Indian Blessing during her last two races, the only two losses of her career. In fact, Baffert says those two setbacks should only help the daughter of Indian Charlie going forward. Her next test is the $250,000 Prioress Stakes (gr. I) July 5 at Belmont.

Two Out of Oaks Future Wager

Wagering has been suspended on a pair of fillies listed as betting interests in Pool 1 of Churchill Downs' 2008 Kentucky Oaks Future Wager, which leaves the four-day pool with 22 wagering interests that include 21 individual horses and a mutuel field that includes all other 3-year-old fillies.

The Stuff of Dreams

MAHUBAH'S CORNER, by Avalyn Hunter

An undefeated 2-year-old is the stuff of dreams, and at this time of year the dreams inspired often feature roses or lilies. By the Light, though not really tested, is from a family that has shown moments of brillance and so is one undefeated filly worth watching.

'Light Shines in Delta Princess

Undefeated By the Light ran her winning streak to four races with a convincing 5 1/4-length win in the $300,000 Boyd Gaming's Delta Princess for 2-year-old fillies at Delta Downs the night of Dec. 7.

NY Breeders' Futurity Offers Largest Purse in Finger Lakes History

The 45th renewal of the New York Breeders' Futurity, set to be held Oct. 6 at Finger Lakes Racetrack, offers the largest purse in the history of the Western New York track with $269,200 available to New York-bred 2-year-olds sprinting six furlongs over the dirt.