Miss Ella looks to fill hole in résumé in Smart N Fancy

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Miss Ella has yet to win a race on turf, but it’s not for a lack of trying.

Miss Ella has been entered in six turf races, has gone winless in four, and won two when they were switched to the main track. On Sunday, Miss Ella will try again to win a turf race when she runs in the $100,000 Smart N Fancy Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs at Saratoga.

“It’s kind of screwy, to be honest,” trainer Graham Motion said.

Miss Ella is a three-time stakes winner on dirt. In 2015, she won the Grade 2 Beaumont at Keeneland and the off-the turf Christiecat at Belmont Park. This year, she is 1 for 4, with the win coming in the off-the-turf Caress Stakes here on July 31.

The Smart N Fancy will be Miss Ella’s third race in 56 days.

“I hadn’t really planned on this race, but she’s done so well, and we just thought she really looked good in this race, so it was kind of hard to pass up,” Motion said.

Bettors may find Miss Ella hard to pass up as the best closer in a race packed with speed types. Miss Ella’s best race came when she finished second to Lady Shipman in the Coronation Cup going 5 1/2 furlongs here last August.

Miss Ella will break from post 3 in what should be an eight-horse field provided the race remains on turf. Three horses were entered to run only if the race is transferred to the main track.

Among the early speed types is Animal Appeal, who has won two statebred allowance races in front-running fashion.

“We finally figured out the way she wants to run,” trainer Jeremiah Englehart said. “She’s better when you let her go.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Miss Ella, by Exchange Rate

Last 3 Beyers: 93-84-91

◗ She was a front-running winner of the off-the-turf Caress Stakes on July 31, but her preferred running style is from off the pace, said Motion, who added that he is pleased with her post.

◗ Joel Rosario, aboard for two of Miss Ella’s four victories, has the call from post 3.

Animal Appeal, by Lerodesanimaux

Last 3 Beyers: 96-90-85

◗ Though she faces open company for the first time, she could play out as the speed of the speed from the outside post under Irad Ortiz Jr.

“It’s a great post, and I think she’s a really nice filly,” Englehart said. “She’ll run really well.”

Fair Point, by Smart Strike

Last 3 Beyers: 85-87-84

◗ Has a win and a second in two turf tries, both at seven furlongs.

◗ Has the look of a horse who will be flying late if the pace is hot and heavy, as expected.