Maple Leaf Mel sitting on ready for Test Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Maple Leaf Mel, the undefeated two-time graded stakes-winning New York-bred, completed preparations for next Saturday’s Grade 1 Test by working a half-mile in 49.22 seconds on Friday morning over the Oklahoma training track.

It was her second work – and almost a carbon copy of her previous move – since she won the Grade 3 Victory Ride on July 8 at Belmont Park.

“I’ve just kind of been doing the same program, I don’t ever try to change too much with her, just keep her happy and that’s it,” trainer Melanie Giddings said. “She’s been running [regularly,] so I don’t feel like I need to put in any kind of big work.”

For the first time this year, Maple Leaf Mel will get to run at the place where she trains. Based at the Palm Meadows training center all winter, Maple Leaf Mel shipped to Aqueduct to win the East View Stakes in April. After shipping to Saratoga after that, Maple Leaf Mel shipped to Baltimore for the Miss Preakness and then to Belmont for the Victory Ride.

Last year, Maple Leaf Mel went 2 for 2 at Saratoga, winning a maiden race and the Seeking the Ante Stakes in a 16-day span.

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“It is kind of nice that we’re finally somewhere where we’re not shipping,” Giddings said. “She’s handled all the shipping well, but that shipping is a concern for anybody.”

The Test, at seven furlongs, is expected to attract Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous, Dorth Vader, Jersey Pearl, Munnys Gold, and Tappin Josie.

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