Fuzzy Britches reaffirms sprint credentials

Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. said he chose to run Fuzzy Britches in Sunday's six-furlong Dearly Precious Stakes rather than Saturday's 1 1/16-mile Busher Stakes because, simply put, he felt the 3-year-old filly was better sprinting than she was going long.

Fuzzy Britches, second in the Busanda around two turns last time out, proved her trainer correct by running down Wild News in the final 70 yards to win the by a half-length at Aqueduct. Judge Sonya, who finished behind Fuzzy Britches when third in the Busanda, rallied to get second Sunday by a head over Wild News.

It was one length back to Indian Burn in fourth. Sweet Venom, who chased the early pace of Wild News, finished last. Bellflower and Gator Prowl scratched.

Under Ramon Dominguez, Fuzzy Britches raced in third position, bumped with Indian Burn in upper stretch, then split horses inside the eighth pole and was able to get past Wild News late.

Fuzzy Britches, a daughter of Pollard's Vision owned by Lansdon Robbins and AZ Azalea Stables, ran six furlongs in 1:11.88 and returned $3.80 as the 4-5 favorite. She won for the third time in seven starts.

"She was pretty settled and she showed a little more tactical speed today than she has before,'' Dominguez said. "There was not really a whole lot of pace in the race. She's one of those who will relax, but when you ask her to go she gives you her run. She has been back and forth between routes and sprints, and she runs well no matter what. She tried hard last time in the two-turn race.''