I'm a Chatterbox has something to prove in Doubledogdare
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Even when facing older horses for the first time, I’m a Chatterbox was the second wagering choice in a full field of 14 in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff last fall at Keeneland, which says plenty right there.
Unfortunately for her connections, I’m a Chatterbox never really threatened when finishing eighth.
“It was disappointing,” said Larry Jones, who trains the chestnut filly for breeders Fletcher and Carolyn Gray. “But we’ve regrouped since then, and the filly has come back real well with a great attitude. We’re excited about having her back.”
That eagerly awaited return comes Friday at Keeneland, where I’m a Chatterbox will be a solid favorite against eight other fillies and mares in the Grade 3, $100,000 Doubledogdare Stakes.
As in the BC Distaff, I’m a Chatterbox comes drawn inside with Florent Geroux riding. She will break from post 2 in the 1 1/16-mile Doubledogdare. She had the rail post in the Distaff and encountered traffic through the opening half-mile before settling into stride but failed to make late headway. It was a subpar performance in view of how she won four stakes last year, including the Grade 1 Cotillion, and was disqualified from another Grade 1 win, the Coaching Club American Oaks. Her sterling record made her a finalist for top 3-year-old filly in Eclipse Award voting.
“No doubt she’s a top filly,” said Jones.
Following a post-Breeders’ Cup break, I’m a Chatterbox has been sent through 10 breezes, starting in early February at Fair Grounds in New Orleans.
“We were letting her bring herself back,” Jones told Keeneland publicity staff last week. “We weren’t in a hurry. We really weren’t trying to get ready for any particular race. You could tell she was getting ready.”
Jones said he thought the Apple Blossom Handicap, run last Friday at Oaklawn, might be a tough spot off a layoff, and he pointed out that she had won her debut in 2014 at Keeneland.
“And I wanted to prove to myself that running in the Breeders’ Cup, it wasn’t wrong,” he said. “She does like Keeneland. This is a good spot.”
The chief threat to I’m a Chatterbox probably is Ahh Chocolate (post 6, Brian Hernandez Jr. to ride), the winner of the Grade 2 Falls City last fall at Churchill Downs for owner-breeder Stoneway Farm. Back in Dixie (post 5, Channing Hill), claimed for $35,000 in February, is ascending in class and going for a sixth straight victory.
First post Friday is 1:05 p.m. Eastern, with the Doubledogdare going at 5:30 as the ninth of 10 races.
This is the 22nd running of the Doubledogdare, named for the standout Claiborne Farm filly of the mid-1950s. Deceptive Vision won the 2015 renewal for Sam-Son Farm.
KEY CONTENDERS
I’m a Chatterbox, by Munnings
Last 3 Beyers: 88-95-94
◗ Her best results have come when she’s been on or near the lead, and considering how fresh she is and an apparent lack of opposing speed, she should be prominent from the opening bell.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 2 I’m a Chatterbox. Trainer Larry Jones is 18-2-4-3 with a $0.25 ROI over the past five years in dirt routes following a layoff of 100 days or more. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan
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Ahh Chocolate, by Candy Ride
Last 3 Beyers: 86-91-81
◗ A third-place finish in an ungraded stakes at Fair Grounds five weeks ago was her first start since the Falls City.
◗ Late-running 4-year-old filly really came to hand last fall for trainer Neil Howard.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 6 Ahh Chocolate. Won the Grade 2 Falls City Handicap at Churchill in November, when she beat three next-out winners from five to race. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan
Back in Dixie, by Put It Back
Last 3 Beyers: 82-80-90
◗ Her win streak began last November at Hawthorne for prior connections and continued through the winter at Oaklawn, with Ingrid Mason the trainer for her last two scores.