Harris pair strong in New Mexico Distaff

Trainer Russell Harris has the numbers with two fillies - fastest-qualifier Exclusive Listing and Miss Shivers - in a wide-open Grade 3 Merial New Mexico Distaff Challenge on Sunday afternoon at Ruidoso Downs.

Exclusive Listing has been stepping up the class ladder with a close second against nonwinners-of-two allowance company two starts ago and a trial win for the New Mexico Distaff Challenge.

A 3-year-old filly, Exclusive Listing prevailed by a head in her New Mexico Distaff Challenge trial over second-fastest qualifier Rainbows N Diamonds. Exclusive Listing's time of 19.737 seconds for 400 yards was the quickest time from two trials.

Miss Shivers earned her spot in the New Mexico Distaff Challenge with a second-place effort in the other trial, finishing a neck behind Thrill and Grace. The 4-year-old Miss Shivers was off for 11 months before returning at Remington Park this spring to win 2 of 3 starts at the Oklahoma City track.

Thrill and Grace could be favored in the New Mexico Distaff Challenge after racing to her fifth win from seven starts in the trials. She won the Grade 2 Harrah's Entertainment Derby in 2007 and returned from a 15-month layoff to win her New Mexico Distaff Challenge trial.