Highway Star moves outside in redrawn Ladies Handicap

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – While the field for the $100,000 Ladies Handicap remained intact for Friday, the complexion of the race changed somewhat when the race was redrawn.

The Ladies was originally scheduled for last Saturday, a card scrapped when the jockeys refused to ride due to snow, wind, and cold.

Highway Star, the probable favorite, went from the rail to the outside post, while Wonder Gal went from post 4 to the rail, perhaps altering how the race may be run.

While trainer Rodrigo Ubillo wasn’t overly concerned about Highway Star’s initial rail draw, he is happy with her new outside post for the mile and 70-yard race.

“I think it’s better for us,” Ubillo said. “We have more freedom. We’re not going to be stuck on the inside where somebody can block us.”

Highway Star brings a three-race winning streak into the Ladies. That includes a nose win over High Ridge Road in the Grade 3 Go for Wand Handicap over Aqueduct’s main track on Dec. 3.

All five of Highway Star’s victories have come in one-turn races. She finished third in her lone dirt start around two turns.

Wonder Gal was third, beaten a neck, in the Go for Wand. Jockey Kendrick Carmouche will likely have to use her speed from the rail in the redrawn Ladies.

“Whatever happens I want him at some point to get off the rail,” said Leah Gyarmati, trainer of Wonder Gal.

Carmouche is back aboard Wonder Gal after being replaced by Jose Ortiz, who was named to ride last Saturday. Ortiz will be at Oaklawn Park on Friday. Carmouche had ridden Wonder Gal in her previous two starts.

Ladies Handicap, Race 3

KEY CONTENDERS

Highway Star, by Girolamo

Last 3 Beyers: 85-83-83

◗ She has won 5 of 7 career starts, The horse she beat by a nose in the Go for Wand, High Ridge Road, came back to win the Thirty Eight Go Go Stakes last weekend at Laurel.

◗ With Jet Majesty and Chorus Line in the field, there should be ample speed for Highway Star to stalk.

◗ Blew out a swift three furlongs in 35.66 seconds over Belmont’s training track on Tuesday, the fastest of 22 works at the distance.

“She likes it,” Ubillo said about the quick work. “In the past, I did that. She went nice and easy.”

Wonder Gal, by Tiz Wonderful

Last 3 Beyers: 85-80-83

◗ Came off a long layoff with a fast allowance win at Saratoga in September, a performance that may have taken a toll on her in her next two starts. Will likely have to use her speed away from the gate to get an early position.

◗ Blew out three furlongs in 38.05 seconds on Tuesday.

Always On My Mind, by Congrats

Last 3 Beyers: 86-85-85

◗ She has won two of her last three starts, both in allowance company. In between, she raced wide and finished fourth in the Remington Park Oaks.