Princess Violet going big in Ogden Phipps

ELMONT, N.Y. – Princess Violet, winner of the Grade 1 Madison Stakes at Keeneland two starts back, worked six furlongs in 1:13.66 over the Belmont training track Wednesday morning in preparation for an expected start in the Grade 1, $1 million Ogden Phipps Stakes on June 6.

Princess Violet could be a little suspect at the 1 1/16 miles of the Phipps, but it’s a big purse and she did finish second to Untapable last year in the Grade 1 Mother Goose going 1 1/16 miles. Untapable, who went on to become the 3-year-old filly champion of 2014, is the likely favorite in the Phipps.

“Seven-eighths might be her best distance, but still the mile and a sixteenth could be within her scope,” trainer Linda Rice said.

Princess Violet is coming off a second-place finish to Wedding Toast in the Grade 2 Ruffian going a mile here May 9. Wedding Toast also is expected for the Phipps as are Dame Dorothy, Rosalind, Shayjolie, and possibly House Rules and Stopchargingmaria.

Meanwhile, Rice’s top New York-bred sprinting filly La Verdad worked five furlongs in 1:00.40 on Wednesday morning for a start in the Grade 3 Bed o’ Roses Handicap on June 20. La Verdad is 12 for 18, most recently winning the Grade 3 Vagrancy Handicap on March 16.