Athena enters American Beauty following emotional victory

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Athena is a multiple stakes winner who has a good chance to add to her résumé Saturday in the $125,000 American Beauty at Oaklawn Park.

But she has already won the most important race of her career. It happened opening day, when Athena captured an allowance by the slimmest of margins less than a month after the death of her co-owner, Clifford Grum.

It was a triumph that came with tears.

“We had to regain our emotions before we went into the winner’s circle,” said trainer Helen Pitts-Blasi. “It was the first race back since Mr. Grum had passed away. Mrs. Grum was here, and she just kept petting Athena and saying Clifford was watching down on us. It was a great moment.”

The American Beauty is a six-furlong race for fillies and mares. Marquee Miss, who was edged by Athena, is back for more. Other stakes winners in the seven-horse field are Super Saks, D R C’s Pretty Sky, and Wheatfield.

American Beauty, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Athena, by Street Sense

Last 3 Beyers: 87-74-81

◗ She improved her career record to 6 for 19 with her Oaklawn allowance win Jan. 13. She rallied for a neck victory over a stubborn Marquee Miss, covering six furlongs in 1:09.80.

“It was tooth and nail,” said Pitts-Blasi. “It was really exciting.”

◗ Athena will break from post 7 under Joe Rocco Jr.

“I like the outside,” said Pitts-Blasi. “I think it allows Joe to see what happens. I hope we get some early speed. Ideally, we’d like to sit in a stalking position – like she always does – sit right in behind and pounce. There’s a couple of us with the same running style, so it will be interesting to see what happens.”

Marquee Miss, by Cowboy Cal

Last 3 Beyers: 87-74-81

◗ She is looking for career stakes win No. 5, with one of those wins coming at this six-furlong distance at Oaklawn in last year’s $100,000 Dixie Belle. Marquee Miss also won last year’s $100,000 Martha Washington at a mile at Oaklawn.

◗ Marquee Miss will break just inside of Athena in post 6. She has tactical speed and could get a tracking trip behind the rail-drawn Super Saks and perhaps Eurodevilwoman.

◗ Didiel Osorio has the mount for Rags Racing Stable and trainer Ingrid Mason.

D R C’s Pretty Sky, by Sky Mesa

Last 3 Beyers: 87-79-69

◗ She is seeking her third straight win, following an allowance at Remington Park in October and the Zia Park Distaff in November.

◗ Geovanni Franco has the mount for trainer Robertino Diodoro.