Busanda pits Pletcher vs. Sheikh Mohammed

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The last four runnings of the Busanda Stakes have been won by either trainer Todd Pletcher or owner Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum. That trend could very well continue Saturday, when Pletcher sends out Hopefaithjoy against Sheikh Mohammed’s Bonnet Plume in the 42nd renewal of the $100,000 Busanda for 3-year-old fillies.

The Busanda, at a mile and 70 yards, offers qualifying points to the top four finishers (10-4-2-1) toward the May 1 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.

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The Busanda drew a field of six, including supplemental nominees North Street Eight and Liberty Island, both debut winners trained by Dominick Schettino. The Busanda will go as the third on Saturday’s nine-race program, which includes three races brought back from Wednesday’s canceled card.

Two years ago, Princess of Sylmar won the Busanda to kick off a 3-year-old season that included Grade 1 victories in the Kentucky Oaks, Coaching Club American Oaks, Alabama, and Beldame. That was one of Pletcher’s three Busanda winners over the last four years.

Hopefaithjoy, a daughter of Lookin At Lucky out of the Delaware Oaks and Florida Oaks winner R Lady Joy, is making her first start since running fourth in the Rags to Riches Stakes, a one-turn, one-mile race at Churchill Downs on Oct. 26. Prior to that, Hopefaithjoy won a maiden race at Keeneland going 1 1/16 miles around two turns.

Sheikh Mohammed won the 2012 Busanda with Captivating Lass. That filly ran under his Darley banner and was trained by Kiaran McLaughlin. Beginning this year, all of Sheikh Mohammed’s runners will race under Godolphin Racing. Bonnet Plume, a 9 1/2-length winner in her third and most recent start, is trained by Tom Albertrani.

KEY CONTENDERS

Hopefaithjoy (Last 3 Beyers: 60-72-71)

◗ She came out of a third-place finish in a highly rated Saratoga maiden race to win a two-turn maiden affair at Keeneland.

◗ She had a wide journey when fourth in the Rags to Riches Stakes, backing up to a one-turn mile.

“I thought she ran okay,” Pletcher said. “I was a little reluctant to back her up to a one-turn mile, but I thought it might set her up for the Golden Rod or the Demoiselle. She needed a little more time.”

◗ The top three finishers from the Rags to Riches all came back to win their next start, including first-place finisher West Coast Belle, who captured the Grade 2 Golden Rod.

Bonnet Plume (Last 3 Beyers: 71-68-55)

◗ After two losses to begin her career, this daughter of Bernardini won by 9 1/2 lengths in her first start around two turns and her first on Lasix.

◗ Albertrani said Bonnet Plume was compromised by getting dirt kicked in her face in her second start. She avoided that by breaking from the outside in her last race, and she has the outside post again Saturday.

“That was the whole idea: keep her out of the kickback, keep her out in the clear,” said Albertrani, referring to Bonnet Plume’s last race. “She drew another good post. She’s been training well, and I’m feeling pretty confident about her coming up to the race.”