Litfin’s preview: Risky Rachel, Sunny Desert clash
Risky Rachel, Sunny Desert clash in Union Avenue
With graded stakes winners Artemis Agrotera, Hot Stones, La Verdad, and Willet all awaiting Saturday’s Grade 1 Ballerina, the 11th running of the $100,000 Union Avenue for New York-bred fillies has become an easier spot for contenders such as Risky Rachel, Sunny Desert, and Vicki’s Dancer.
Risky Rachel was head and head with Willet to midstretch of an $85,000 allowance sprint on July 30 and held second clearly to earn a Beyer Speed Figure of 89, her fastest race since winning the 2012 Union Avenue with a 92.
Sunny Desert won multiple stakes after being claimed by her former trainer, John Parisella, but the 5-year-old mare has run only once since April 2013, when third to La Verdad in the Broadway Stakes on March 29.
“I would have loved to have gotten one more breeze into her, but I’ve got to get her started,” current conditioner Bruce Levine said.
Vicki’s Dancer is an intriguing possibility as she switches back to the main track after being victimized by some traffic behind a slow pace in her return from a short layoff.
Horse to watch
MAJESTICO
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Last race: Aug. 18, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 3 3/4
Beyer: 63
This first-time starter by freshman sire Majesticperfection has a dirt pedigree, but he was unveiled in a turf sprint and finished well after appearing a bit headstrong through the initial stages.