Miz Ida gets class relief in Ellis Park Turf Stakes

A beaten favorite seeking redemption long has been a favorite angle for horseplayers, and one that trainer Steve Margolis believes could be in play when the $50,000 Ellis Park Turf Stakes highlights the first Saturday card of the Ellis meet in Henderson, Ky.

Margolis will saddle Miz Ida, most recently fifth as the 13-10 favorite in the Grade 3 Mint Julep at Churchill Downs, as one of the top contenders in the Ellis Turf, which will be run at 1 1/16 miles as the eighth of nine Saturday races.

“It’s always disappointing when you have what you think is a real good chance and it doesn’t turn out in your favor,” said Margolis. “But hopefully we’ll get a fair run out of her Saturday.”

Miz Ida, bred and owned by the Klein family, does her running from well back in the pack, but Margolis said he hopes she will be a little closer than usual after breaking from post 5 under Brian Hernandez Jr. The 5-year-old mare is by far the leading earner in the field with a career bankroll of almost $482,000. She enters the Ellis Turf off a string of seven consecutive graded stakes starts, including seconds in the Grade 3 Dr. James Penny Memorial last July at Parx Racing and in the Grade 3 Cardinal Handicap in November at Churchill.

“Brian worked her here [at Churchill] the other day [June 27] and was real happy with her,” said Margolis. “Not to make excuses for the last one, but the rail was out for the Mint Julep, which tends to favor speed horses, and we did get a little unlucky with the trip. But she’s doing good coming into this, and that’s what we’re focusing on.”

Nine fillies and mares are entered in this 10th running of the Ellis Turf, but at least one will be scratched: Sassy Kitten, who ran second by a neck Wednesday night in the Firecracker at Mountaineer.

The Mint Julep was won at almost 14-1 by Honey Hues, a speedy filly trained by Bernie Flint. Honey Hues, with Jesus Castanon back to ride, was assigned the rail post and might well have things her own way for a while, with only Gal About Town (post 4, Miguel Mena) having the kind of early speed to keep her honest on the pace.

“Bernie’s filly is in good form, and Brian will have to keep an eye on her for sure,” said Margolis.

The Ellis Turf is the first of four stakes at a 29-day meet that ends Sept. 1. The next one, the $50,000 Don Bernhardt, is set for July 19. The meet highlight, the Grade 3, $100,000 Gardenia, will be run Aug. 9.

First post Saturday is 12:50 p.m. Central, with the Ellis Turf going at 4:10. One allowance (race 6), two maiden-special events (races 7 and 9), and one maiden claimer (race 1) also are on tap.