Pletcher makes it two for Busanda

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – With Alto Belle, trainer Todd Pletcher already had the horse to beat in the $100,000 Busanda Stakes. But now the seven-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer will double down by adding Lost Raven to the mix in Sunday’s mile-and-70-yard race for 3-year-old fillies.

The Busanda was postponed from last Saturday when the card was lost to a blizzard. Originally drawn with seven, the Busanda was redrawn with nine, with Lost Raven and Invite the newcomers to the field.

Lost Raven just ran Jan. 16 in the Marshua Stakes at Laurel, finishing second to Karen’s Silk.

“She ran okay,” Pletcher said. “She got stuck inside the whole way, had to secure a position, and couldn’t hold off the filly that came from behind. There’s really nothing for her until Feb. 27, so we’ll go ahead and run her back on short rest.”

Lost Raven will break from post 3 and be ridden by Manny Franco.

Alto Belle, an 18 1/2-length maiden winner in November, drew post 5, the same slot she had last week.

Flora Dora drew the rail for the second straight time. Also entered back were She’s So Fine, Dreams to Reality, Kentucky Road, Scatoosh, and Arch or Nothing.

Sunday’s card also features the $100,000 Maddie May Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies. Frosty Margarita, a two-time sprint stakes winner, will attempt two turns for the first time in this 10-horse field.