Separationofpowers to get year started in Victory Ride

ELMONT, N.Y. – The Grade 1-winning 2-year-old filly Separationofpowers makes her 3-year-old debut in Sunday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Victory Ride Stakes going 6 1/2 furlongs at Belmont Park.

Separationofpowers, who won the Grade 1 Frizette last October here, has not run since she finished fourth behind Caledonia Road in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. She finds a difficult spot for her return, facing Mia Mischief, the dominant winner of the Grade 2 Eight Belles last out at Churchill Downs.

The Victory Ride, a stepping-stone to the Grade 1 Test at Saratoga on Aug. 3, drew a field of 11 that includes the undefeated Sower, the winner of the Jersey Girl Stakes last out, and Spectator, the runner-up in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks who will be making her first start for trainer Michelle Nevin.

Others entered were Cosita Mia, D J’s Favorite, Dixie Serenade, Take Charge Paula, Devine Mischief, Classy Act, and Norma’s Charm.

Sunday’s card also includes the $100,000 River Memories for fillies and mares at 1 1/2 miles on turf. That field includes recent allowance winners Flower Fashion and Violet Blue as well as Homeland Security, Summersault, Not Taken, Estrechada, Silver Step and Savannah Belle.