Hot City Girl vs. Quezon again in Union Avenue

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Hot City Girl and Quezon, who finished first and second, respectively, in the $100,000 Union Avenue Stakes last summer at Saratoga, will meet for the first time since that encounter when facing eight rivals in the same 6 1/2-furlong race for New York-bred fillies and mares Thursday.

Hot City Girl registered a popular victory in the 2016 Union Avenue, leading throughout under jockey Jose Ortiz en route to a 1 3/4-length decision over Quezon. She enters the rematch having been sidelined since a disappointing effort under allowance conditions more than four months ago at Aqueduct.

“She’s doing well, but as a trainer you’re always hoping for perhaps one more breeze coming into a race,” said Linda Rice, who trains Hot City Girl for the Lady Sheila Stable. “She’s had three solid breezes, and I thought her last work was very good, so I think she’s coming in here ready to run a big race.”

Hot City Girl is usually at her best on the lead, but there is plenty of speed in the Union Avenue field, with Absatootly, breaking directly to her outside, and both Clipthecouponannie and Court Dancer likely to make their presence felt early.

:: Just reduced! Save on Clocker Reports for Del Mar and Saratoga

Quezon has been a bit “disappointing” in her three starts this season, according to trainer Bobby Ribaudo, especially when unable to get past the leader Momameamaria and having to settle for second money as the odds-on favorite in her last appearance six weeks ago at Belmont Park.

Quezon bounced out of the Union Avenue last summer with perhaps her strongest performance yet, a solid second behind the multiple Grade 1 winner Paulassilverlining in the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom Handicap.

“When we stopped on her last year, she was on top of her game and I’ve been disappointed in her races since she’s come back,” Ribaudo said. “But it took a couple of races for her to get back to her best form last year. She really began to get good from this race on, and I’m hoping that will be the case again.”

An honest pace scenario would benefit Wonderment, a come-from-behind, five-length winner of the Dancing Renee Stakes, as well as She’s All Ready and Picco Uno.

Top ContenderS

Hot City Girl, by City Zip
Last 3 Beyers: 42-72-78

◗ She has yet to approach the career-best 95 Beyer Speed Figure she posted winning the 2016 Union Avenue in five subsequent starts.

Quezon, by Tiz Wonderful
Last 3 Beyers: 86-82-85

◗ Ribaudo said he’d rather not be drawn on the rail, but believes jockey Javier Castellano will be able to work out a winning trip nonetheless.

“Not having to be close-up early, it really shouldn’t be an issue for her breaking down on the inside.”