Following a start in which she ducked in and crowded rivals, I'm a Chatterbox waltzed to victory and then survived an objection to win the $750,000 Delaware Handicap (gr. I) July 16 at Delaware Park. Video: Delaware H. (G1)
Fletcher and Carolyn Gray homebred I'm a Chatterbox secured her second grade I win and first top-level victory against older horses in the 1 1/4-mile test. Trained by Larry Jones and guided to a 2 1/4-length victory by Florent Geroux, I'm a Chatterbox took command midway through the far turn on her way to a to second straight clear win at Delaware.
The 4-year-old daughter of Munnings entered off an easy win in the Obeah Handicap June 11 at Delaware. I'm a Chatterbox completed Saturday's race in 2:02.64 on a fast track.
After an objection, the stewards reviewed the start of the race, where odds-on favorite I'm a Chatterbox had a Bayern -like start, bobbling and then ducking to her inside. She came over several lanes, causing a chain reaction that affected horses to her inside: Milaya, Money'soncharlotte, and the eventual runner-up Paid Up Subscriber. Paid Up Subscriber, breaking from the rail, was bumped off stride at the start and jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. claimed foul after the race.
Like Bayern, who was left up following a review of his 2014 victory in the 2014 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park, the Delaware stewards upheld the victory by I'm a Chatterbox. Last year I'm a Chatterbox was disqualified to second after finishing first by a nose in the Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) at Saratoga Race Course. Runner-up Curalina was placed first after stewards determined I'm a Chatterbox drifted out in deep stretch and brushed Curalina.
Between the drama at the start of Saturday's race—and the tension that followed while awaiting the stewards' decision—I'm a Chatterbox delivered a dominating performance. Near last after her problematic start, I'm a Chatterbox quickly recovered to track early leader Mei Ling through the first turn, 1 1/2 lengths back through a half-mile in :47.72.
Moving into the second turn, Geroux asked for more and I'm a Chatterbox responded with a steady drive, securing the lead midway through the far bend. She opened a two-length lead midstretch and had plenty to hold off the late kick of Paid Up Subscriber. Penwith rallied from last in the field of six to finish third.
Klaravich Stables and William Lawrence's Paid Up Subscriber, winner of the Fleur de Lis Handicap (gr. II) last month at Churchill Downs, earned her first grade I placing. Paid Up Subscriber is a daughter of Candy Ride . Godolphin Racing's Penwith, a grade II-winning daughter of Bernardini , also earned her first grade I placing.
I'm a Chatterbox returned $3.20, $2.10, and $2.10 across the board while Paid Up Subscriber paid $2.60 and $2.10. Penwith returned $2.80 to show.
Kentucky-bred I'm a Chatterbox is the top-earning foal to date for Munnings. She is out of stakes-placed mare Chit Chatter, by Lost Soldier, who has produced four other winners, including stakes-placed Pegasus Again and Lady Bear.
