Penwith will have to be caught in Ladies

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – A new post position only solidified the plan that the connections of Penwith have for their filly in Friday’s rescheduled $100,000 Ladies Handicap at Aqueduct.

The fleet-footed Penwith led for every jump but the last in the Affectionately Stakes, and she will try to employ similar tactics when she breaks from the rail under Fernando Jara in the 1 1/8-mile Ladies.

When the Ladies was initially drawn and carded for last Saturday – a card canceled due to inclement weather – Penwith had post 3, one slot outside of Belle Gallantey, who figures to also be forwardly placed. Now, Penwith is inside of Belle Gallantey, who drew post 4.

“Being that we’re down inside, we hope to beat the other one to the first turn and throw a little dirt on her or just get the lead,” said trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. “We’re going to try and go on and not change our style. If she clears us, then we can lay second, but she’s going to have to use herself to get the lead.”

Divided Attention, a stablemate of Penwith, was entered for Friday’s rescheduled Ladies but was not in the original field. McLaughlin said he only entered Divided Attention as a backup in case something happened to Penwith.

The rest of the field remains intact: Shayjolie, Holiday’s Jewel, and Moment in Dixie.

KEY CONTENDERS

Penwith (Last 3 Beyers: 88-74-79)

◗ She secured the early lead and opened up three lengths in the Affectionately, only to be run down late by America.

◗ One of two fillies in the race to have won at 1 1/8 miles, having taken a second-level allowance race at Saratoga.

Belle Gallantey (Last 3 Beyers: 78-81-103)

◗ A multiple Grade 1 winner last year, Belle Gallantey could decide her future with her performance in this race. If she puts in a good effort, she continues to run. If she runs poorly, she likely will be retired.

◗ Trainer Rudy Rodriguez said Wednesday he feels the extra time since the race was originally carded has benefited his 6-year-old mare.

“The way she’s galloping, she’s more in the bridle,” Rodriguez said Wednesday. “Before, she was galloping because she had to. Right now, the last three days, she’s on the muscle, very, very nice. I hope she shows up in the race.”

◗ Named originally with Manny Franco to ride, Belle Gallantey will have Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons Friday. Ortiz was at Tampa Bay Downs last Saturday when the race was first carded.

Moment in Dixie (Last 3 Beyers: 86-92-80)

◗ Still seeking her first stakes victory before she is bred later this year, this late runner could benefit if Belle Gallantey and Penwith mix it up early.

◗ Her mother, Ellie’s Moment, finished second in the 2002 Ladies when it was a Grade 3 run at 1 1/4 miles. Ellie’s Moment also won the 2003 Rare Treat at 1 1/8 miles.