Key race screams 'Robber'

MIAMI - Restricted stakes rarely turn into key races, but such was the case with Calder's Georgia Oaks on May 7. Four of the nine starters from that field returned to win their next start, including Silversider, who came back to easily defeat older horses in the Sara's Success Stakes three weeks after dead-heating with El Bank Robber for the victory in the Georgia Oaks.

Saturday, it will be El Bank Robber's turn to add to the key race status of the Georgia Oaks when she finally returns against seven other 3-year-old fillies in the $45,000 Sweettrickydancer, an overnight stakes carded at 7 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

El Bank Robber was making her grass debut when she overcame a slow start to finish on even terms with Silversider in the Georgia Oaks. The pair finished 2 1/4 lengths clear of third-place finisher Survicat, who came back to beat older second-level allowance company by a half-length four weeks later.

Prospect of Love, a troubled fifth in the Georgia Oaks, and Mia's Reflection, sixth in the race, each returned to capture her next start. Prospect of Love led throughout to defeat older rivals under second-level allowance conditions, while Mia's Reflection has posted two consecutive victories since the Georgia Oaks, including a 1 1/2-length decision in the Lulu's Ransom Stakes on June 25.

El Bank Robber, a 3-year-old daughter of Eltish owned by Jeffrey Amling, has captured 2 of 3 starts. Her only defeat came when she finished third in the Three Ring Stakes in her final start at 2. Trainer Marty Wolfson scratched El Bank Robber from the Lulu's Ransom when the race was switched from the turf to the main track, preferring to keep her on grass for the time being.

Both Prospect of Love and Survicat will take another run at El Bank Robber on Saturday. Prospect of Love followed up her allowance win on May 30 by finishing second behind Mia's Reflection in the Lulu's Ransom, and figures to again prompt the early pace along with Funny Annie, Vivaldi Girl, and perhaps stretch-out sprinter Amazing Speed.

Survicat is a stretch-running filly who like El Bank Robber would benefit from an honest pace scenario.

Vivaldi Girl, a winner of 6 of 9 career starts but outrun making her U.S. debut in the Swept Away Stakes on June 16, will try turf for the first time. She was a two-time Group 1 winner in Puerto Rico at 2 but has yet to race beyond seven furlongs.

Ensign Appeal, a wide-running third in the Lulu's Ransom, and Crykisses complete the lineup.