The Mary Rose romps in Natural State Breeders' Stakes

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – There was a lot of talk about roses Friday at Oaklawn Park, where Barber Road’s trainer, John Ortiz, saddled The Mary Rose to a 9 3/4-length win in the $150,000 Natural State Breeders’ Stakes.

The victory came a day ahead of Barber Road’s scheduled start in the Kentucky Derby.

“Hopefully, this is a good omen, winning with The Rose today,” Ortiz said in a post-race interview broadcast by Oaklawn. “Maybe we take home the roses tomorrow.”

The Mary Rose ($3.20) moved to the front soon after the start of the Natural State, a new stakes for fillies and mares bred in Arkansas. She set fractions of 23.64 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.84 for the half-mile, and 1:12.13 for six furlongs. The Mary Rose fended off a serious bid from Connie K coming to the quarter pole, before storming home. She covered one mile on a track upgraded to fast in a quick 1:37.24.

Emmanuel Esquivel was aboard for breeder and owner Shortleaf Stable.

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Connie K held second, while it was another 2 1/4 lengths back in third to Kaboom Baby.

The Mary Rose won last year’s Downthedustyroad at six furlongs at Oaklawn, but her connections have focused on two-turn races this meet and she was winning her third race at the current stand. She’s been putting up Beyer Speed Figures in the 90s.

The Mary Rose is now 6 for 19 for earnings of $528,904. She is a daughter of Macho Uno.