Ashado, the unbeaten winner of the Spinaway (gr. I) and Schuylerville Stakes (gr. II) meets Victory U.S.A., one of the West Coast's top juvenile fillies, in the 56th running of the grade I Frizette Stakes. Run at 1 1/16 miles, the Frizette has been won by four fillies who eventually went on to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I). Storm Flag Flying did it last year and was named champion 2-year-old filly.
Ashado, a daughter of Saint Ballado, makes her first start beyond seven furlongs for trainer Todd Pletcher. Thanks to her determination, she has developed into the leading 2-year-old filly on the East Coast. She is owned by Starlight Stables, Paul Saylor, and John Martin.
"I don't think Ashado has gotten the respect she deserves," Pletcher said. "She's three for three, a grade I winner, and she's won on fast and wet tracks. Her natural speed should put her in the race going a mile-and-a-sixteenth."
Another unbeaten entrant is Marylebone, who won the grade I Matron Stakes in her last start. Pletcher trains Marylebone for Michael Tabor.
The Bob Baffert-trained Victory U. S. A. won her career debut at Del Mar by more than six lengths before running into a buzzsaw in the grade I Del Mar Debutante. Victory U.S.A., who is owned by Tom Van Meter, ran third to Halfbridled, who could be the shortest-priced favorite on the Breeders' Cup program. This past weekend Halfbridled cruised to her third win in as many starts when taking the Oak Leaf Stake (gr. II) at Santa Anita. Bailey, who has won three of the last six Frizettes, has the mount.
Frizette Stakes, the sixth race on Belmont's Saturday card, is open to 2-year-old fillies. All will carry 120 pounds.
Post position, horse, jockey, trainer
1--Please Take Me Out, Aaron Gryder, Alfredo Callejas
2--Eye Dazzler, Corey Nakatani, Mark Hennig
3--Ashado, Jose Santos, Todd Pletcher
4--Victory U. S. A., Jerry Bailey, Bob Baffert
5--Little Andrea, Ramon Dominguez, Michael Dickinson
6--Marylebone, Mike Luzzi, Todd Pletcher
7--Daydreaming, John Velazquez, Shug Mcgaughey
8--Society Selection, Ray Ganpath, Allen Jerkens
