Willa On the Move, bred in Maryland by Robert L. Uuinichett, earned $64,560 for the victory and now has has five wins in nine starts.(Chart, Equibase)
Willa On The Move made her move at the right time under Edgar Prado to pass the field and take the $107,600 Honorable Miss Handicap (gr. III) over a sloppy Saratoga surface Friday.After being outrun early, the 4-year-old Two Punch filly flew by in the homestretch on the outside to win her first stakes in open company by a driving half-length. Last year, she won the restricted Politely Stakes at Laurel.Willa On The Move made seven starts last year for trainer Rodney Jenkins and is now trained by Anthony Dutrow. In her first start for her new conditioner, June 27 at Belmont, she was beaten a nose in the restricted Xtra Heat."That was really exciting," said Dutrow. "There were three millionaires in that race (Raging Fever, Smok'n Frolic and Shine Again). For her to shine today, that's very special. It set up well for her, and she finished up great and full of run. She got a real good pace today and settled nicely. She liked the slop."Dutrow said he would nominate Willa On The Move to Saratoga's $250,000 Ballerina (gr. I) at seven furlongs Aug. 24 Owned by Peter Angelos, Willa On The Move paid $7, $3.70 and $2.90 as the 5-2 second choice in a field of six. She covered the sloppy six furlongs in 1:09.92."It set up beautifully for my filly," Prado said. "I wanted to save ground, but she was out in the middle of the track and I didn't want to fight her. You worry who is going to take to the track. She took to it well. She was impressive." Favored Shine Again, who was near the front early as Redhead Riot led, held on for second by a nose over Smok'n Frolic. Shine Again paid $2.90 and $2.20. Smok'n Frolic returned $3.