Awesome Mass the one to beat in Desert Vixen Stakes

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Outside, perhaps, of the New York and Southern California circuits, it’s not often a 2-year-old earns a Beyer Speed Figure in the 80s by this time of year.

But that’s what a filly named Awesome Mass got from a July 20 romp at Gulfstream Park, and it’s a major reason why she figures to be an odds-on favorite Saturday against seven other Florida-breds in the $100,000 Desert Vixen.

One of the first things mentioned by trainer Stanley Gold this week in discussing his prospects for the Florida Sire Stakes races at Gulfstream was the 81 Beyer assigned to that 11 3/4-length score by Awesome Mass, an Arindel homebred from the first crop of Brethren.

“It speaks for itself,” said Gold.

In three maiden special weight races against open company, Awesome Mass fared successively better, ending with her eye-catching win. The dark bay filly will have Emisael Jaramillo back aboard when breaking from post 3 in the Desert Vixen, one of the co-features on a 13-race card. Four of her opponents are still maidens, and among those who are not, perhaps Valid Interest (post 6, Mario Vasquez) and Go Astray (post 7, Jose Batista) rate the best upset chances.

Valid Interest did nothing wrong in tracking the early pace and proceeding to a 2 1/2-length triumph over statebred maidens July 14 for owner and breeder Just For Fun Stables and trainer Agustin Bezara.

Go Astray is just 1 for 5, with a June 17 maiden race accounting for her lone victory, but she has flashed effective speed in recent starts and should be considered a viable front-end threat despite her relatively weak Beyers.

The balance of the Desert Vixen field is Right On, Starship Bonita, Iwannatalkaboutme, Panty Hose, and Sittin On Cotton.

KEY CONTENDERS

Awesome Mass, by Brethren
Last 2 Beyers: 81-46

◗ Bet down to even-money when getting first-time Lasix in her most recent start, she seized command early before widening down the lane in a visually impressive performance.

Valid Interest, by Personal Interest
Last Beyer: 62

◗ Sired by a young stallion who went winless in nine career starts for Just For Fun, this filly came well backed for her successful debut and now faces a tougher assignment.