Prize Exhibit back from layoff in turf race

ARCADIA, Calif. – Prize Exhibit, fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in October, has a good chance to win her 2015 debut when she starts in an optional claimer at a mile on turf at Santa Anita on Sunday.

On Friday, trainer Jim Cassidy spoke highly of Prize Exhibit’s progress in recent months.

“She’s training like a monster,” he said.

Asked if Prize Exhibit can win, Cassidy said, “Yes.”

Owned by Deron Pearson, Prize Exhibit was beaten 5 1/2 lengths by Lady Eli in the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf at a mile. She broke slowly and closed from last of 13.

In Sunday’s optional claimer, Cassidy wants jockey Mike Smith to have Prize Exhibit off the pace and to make a late run.

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“She hasn’t run in a while, so she might be sharp,” Cassidy said. “I’ll tell Mike to have her back.”

Prize Exhibit was previously trained by Jamie Osborne, who trains Toast of New York, the runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Classic here last November. For Osborne, Prize Exhibit won two races by a combined 18 lengths in England.

Sunday’s optional claimer drew a field of 10, including American Sun, who was second in the Blue Norther Stakes at a mile on turf here on Jan. 1, and Belle Et Bete, who was a troubled sixth in the Grade 3 Jimmy Durante Stakes at a mile on turf at Del Mar in November.