Dame Ellen tests win streak in stakes
ELMONT, N.Y. - Trainer Chad Brown says Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Maram is about six weeks away from making her 3-year-old debut. In the meantime, Brown hopes he has another stakes-caliber turf filly in Dame Ellen, who seeks her third consecutive victory in Friday's $65,000 Perfect Sting Stakes at Belmont Park.
The Perfect Sting, scheduled to be run at 1 1/16 miles over the inner turf course, drew a deep field of 10 for the turf. An additional five fillies were designated to run if the race is moved to the main track.
Dame Ellen, a daughter of Elusive Quality, finished second in her turf debut in February at Gulfstream Park before winning a maiden race at that track in April, overcoming post 12 to do so. Last month at Belmont, Dame Ellen overcame some traffic trouble around the turn and in the stretch to win a first-level allowance race by a head.
"She seems to be getting a little better every time we run her, and after every race she seems to be getting a little stronger," Brown said Wednesday from Saratoga. "She's got a great pedigree too; lot of potential. She seems to do what she has to do to win. We're hopeful that she's a stakes-caliber horse."
Jose Lezcano rides Dame Ellen from the rail.
Though Strike the Bell and Dynaslew are both coming out of maiden wins, both are in with a solid chance in this spot. Strike the Bell closed strongly to win a seven-furlong race May 17. Trainer David Donk is anxious to learn more about the talent level of his filly.
"I thinks she's okay, we'll certainly find out something a little bit more," Donk said. "I don't think [distance] is an issue. There's a little bit of pace in the race, so it should make it easier for Cornelio [Velasquez] to be a bit patient."
Dynaslew, trained by Bill Mott, finished second in two maiden races that turned out to be very key events, especially her April 2 race from which six of the 11 horses have come back to win. That includes Dynaslew, who won a 1 1/16-mile maiden race here June 3. She must overcome post 10. Mott also sends out Kiawah Cat.
Fast Tigress drops out of three graded events into this listed event. Mother Russia steps into open company after winning a division of the New York Stallion Stakes on May 31.
First post for Friday's twilight racing card is 3 p.m. Eastern.