Jockey Kent Desormeaux guided favored Miraculous Miss to a well-timed 1 ¼-length victory over Regal Engagement in the $150,000 Comely (gr. II) for 3-year-old fillies at a mile on Aqueduct's main track Saturday.After morning-line favorite Teammate was scratched earlier in the day because of a bruised hoof, Desormeaux demonstrated his skill and patience with his first stakes win of the 2006 season in New York.Win McCool had shot out to an early, uncontested lead, setting a pace of :22.79 and :45.75 while far out in the middle of the track. Mama Nadine and Regal Engagement stayed within striking distance, while Miraculous Miss was unhurried at the rail.Entering the far turn, Regal Engagement and jockey Eibar Coa split Mama Nadine and Win McCool to take the lead into the stretch. Miraculous Miss, meanwhile, was taken outside for a clear run to the wire. She kicked in for the last eighth of a mile and came away the winner in 1:36.67.Owned by Puglisi Stable and trainer Steve Klesaris, the Mr. Greeley filly returned $3.60, $2.50 and $2.10 for her fifth win in six starts. Desormeaux, who joined the New York jockey colony when Aqueduct's main track season opened on March 29, noted, "The owner brought some (video) replays and I was able to get educated about her. She's just a racehorse. I owe all the credit to the owner and Steve. She kind of reminds me of Best Pal around the turn; I'm not sure what I have left, then she throws a lead change and it was like leaving the gate."A multiple grade II winner – she took the Forward Gal (gr. II) in he last start March 5 at Gulfstream Park – Miraculous Miss will now look to Belmont Park. She will be nominated to the $200,000 Nassau County Handicap (gr. II) at seven furlongs on May 6 and the $250,000 Acorn (gr. I) at a mile on Belmont Stakes Day June 10."Obviously, having Teammate scratch was beneficial for us," Klesaris said. "They still ran pretty quick up front. I thought the pace was fast. She's just tremendous the last eighth of a mile, she's got such a big kick."
Regal Engagement returned $5.80 and $3. Daytime Promise, who paid $2.40, got up to beat Win McCool by a head. Mama Nadine and Better Now trailed. (Chart, Equibase)
