Major Idea, favored in five of her last six races, will likely be the public choice once again Sunday in the $150,000 Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles on turf.With the defection of multiple graded stakes winner Atlantic Ocean for the May 2 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), it seems almost certain that the Kentucky-bred daughter of Cherokee Run will be favored again Owned by The Thoroughbred Corp. and trained by Neil Drysdale, Major Idea has won half of her eight starts but has never raced beyond one mile. Her strong late kick should serve her well despite the added distance."Distance shouldn't be any problem," said her jockey, Victor Espinoza, who has ridden her in seven of her eight career races. "She can go a mile or a mile and an eighth; even a little bit farther shouldn't be any problem. She's an easy horse to ride. She doesn't like to be bothered early, just let her settle and make a strong run at the end."On paper, the race does not appear to have an abundance of speed, but that does not concern Espinoza."I don't know how this race will set up, but even if there's not much speed, I don't think it will make any difference," he said. "Last time (a half-length victory over Star Vega in the Some Sensation Stakes on March 13) it was a slow pace, too. A couple times when I won with her they went slow, but she still really kicked at the end."Major Idea has won her last three races. Her past six starts have all been at one mile on grass. Overall, she has earned $194,110.She'll carry 118 pounds. Each of her five rivals have been assigned 114.
Shapes and Shadows, fourth in the Some Sensation, beaten 2 ½ lengths, was supplemented to the race by trainer Nick Canani at a cost of $3,000.$150,000 Providencia Stakes, 3-year-old fillies, 1 1/8 mile on turf
PP. Horse, Jockey
1. No Kings (KY), Corey S. Nakatani
2. Star Vega (GB), Mike E. Smith
3. Makeup Artist (KY), Patrick A. Valenzuela
4. Major Idea (KY), Victor Espinoza
5. Shapes and Shadows (KY), Jose Valdivia, Jr.
6. Katdogawn (GB), Gary L. Stevens