Queens Plaza fresh for stakes try

OCEANPORT, N.J. - A well-rested Queens Plaza steps up to her first stakes engagement Saturday in the $100,000 Sorority at Monmouth Park.

The Sorority is the main event of the Labor Day weekend on the Jersey Shore, which includes a holiday card Monday.

Queens Plaza faces five rivals in the six-furlong race for 2-year-old fillies in her first start since she won her maiden at Belmont Park on July 25.

"We wanted to give her plenty of time," said trainer Tom Bush. "This race fit the schedule."

Bush said he felt the added time would benefit Queens Plaza.

"She is a light, very athletic filly," said Bush. "We got her into a pattern of steady, slow works."

Queens Plaza, who has run twice at Belmont, encountered traffic trouble in her debut.

"It was post 1 for a first-time starter, and they came out running," said Bush. "She really got sawed off."

The trip was less eventful next time out, when Queens Plaza held on for a neck victory in an off-the-turf maiden special weight July 25.

"We were entered for the main track only," said Bush. "With all the rain we had back then, it looked like things would go our way. We were delighted."

Queens Plaza earned a 53 Beyer Figure for the victory. Stewart Elliott will ride.

Whereas Bush took his time with Queens Plaza, Patrick Biancone said he rushed Dressed for Succes into the Grade 2 Schuylerville Stakes at Saratoga on July 28. She finished sixth in the stakes two weeks after winning at first asking at Monmouth.

"She was just too much of a baby," said Biancone. "We've given her time to digest that race and mature."

Joe Bravo has the return call.

Paragon Queen, who with six starts is the most experienced filly in the field, has the most consistent Beyers, with figures in the 70's in her last four outings. Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, Paragon Queen has a win and three seconds in that span, including a runner-up finish in the Grade 3 Debutante Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Paragon Queen will be ridden by Eibar Coa and coupled in the wagering with Bold Outlook, who is from the Todd Pletcher barn and will be ridden by Chuckie Lopez.

Dance Away Capote won her lone start at Monmouth, and Ruby Be Mine is unbeaten in two races.

* The $55,000 Select Stakes for 3-year-olds going five furlongs on the turf was also slated for the Saturday card but failed to fill.