Shimmering Allure drops into easier company in Weber City Miss

LAUREL, Md. – Shimmering Allure gets some class relief at Laurel Park on Saturday when she starts as the likely favorite in the $125,000 Weber City Miss for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles.

Trained by Kenny McPeek, Shimmering Allure finished sixth of eight when facing Kentucky Oaks-bound fillies Leslie’s Rose and champion Just F Y I in Keeneland’s Grade 1 Ashland on April 5.

“We felt like she deserved a chance in the Ashland,” McPeek said. “She didn’t run terrible, but this is back to reality and a pretty good spot.”

McPeek entered Band of Gold, but that filly will scratch. “She is pointed toward the Kentucky Oaks or the Edgewood,” said McPeek.

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After a horse on the Laurel backstretch tested positive earlier in the week for equine herpesvirus, several out-of-town horsemen had decisions to make. To race at Laurel, they would then have to quarantine for two weeks.

Aoife’s Magic won’t participate, per trainer David Dotolo, as she starts Monday in Parx’s Unique Bella Stakes.

Of the horses that trainer Butch Reid expected to ship from Parx, Jeanne Marie might be the most likely starter. The Speightster filly overcame a long layoff to win her two-turn debut in the Main Line on March 5.

“I always felt she was a route horse,” Reid said. “To do it off that long of a layoff from a 4 1/2 [furlong maiden] to one mile and 70 yards was quite impressive.”

Determined Driver dominated four others in the Beyond the Wire traveling a one-turn mile over sloppy going on March 23. Trainer Michael Trombetta deputizes for Phil Schoenthal, who is on suspension.

Trombetta also entered Call Another Play, who steps up following two wins, one at this distance.

Stretch-out sprinter Miss Harriett looms the main speed. Grammy Girl also went gate to wire when winning a two-turn maiden last month.

The Weber City Miss winner receives an automatic berth to the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico on May 17.

King T. Leatherbury

Witty kicks off his 5-year-old campaign in the $100,000 King T. Leatherbury for 3-year-olds and upward at 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

Witty showed off his potent stretch kick when taking two stakes last year. He has won stakes on dirt and turf, but trainer Elizabeth Merryman opted for the Leatherbury as Witty’s comeback.

Stakes-winner Grooms All Bizness returns from a summer layoff as a new gelding for trainer Jorge Duarte, Jr. The 5-year-old placed third in the Select at Monmouth on Aug. 13.

“He ran hard through the summer, and we wanted to bring him back,” Duarte said. “I think he’s training better [since being gelded]. He’s thinned out a bit.”

Future Is Now, a filly facing males, should show speed for Trombetta after finishing second in Gulfstream’s Captiva Island.

Yes and Yes will scratch, per trainer David Donk, while Reid considered Fore Harp doubtful.

Henry S. Clark

With the turf season back in full swing, it’s time for Eons to return to action. Trainer Arnaud Delacour hopes the 8-year-old will be ready in the $100,000 Henry S. Clark for 3-year-olds and upward at one mile.

Delacour is concerned that the mile is a bit sharp for Eons. “Usually, he needs a race or two to come back in stride. I think he’s fit enough and breezing very well, but I’m not sure he’ll run his best race right away.”

Trombetta counters with razor-sharp Forever Souper, who won his last two starts in Florida against statebred competition.

Motion saddles Grade 3 winner English Bee and stakes-winner Dataman. The former makes his third start of the year after failing twice as the favorite at Gulfstream. Dataman kept extremely good company toward the end of last year and returns from a layoff.

Gray’s Fable ships up for his first start for Michael Stidham.

Dahlia

The $100,000 Dahlia for fillies and mares at one mile on turf might be the race most affected by the quarantine situation.

Ravella will scratch, per trainer William Morey, while Reid dubbed Neecie Marie “questionable.” Olivia Maralda, cross-entered at Keeneland on Saturday, will likely run there.

Jubilee Bridge could be the horse to beat for Stidham. The mare hasn’t raced since finishing third in the restricted One Dreamer at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 7.

“She came out of the race with a little issue, but she’s been working well,” Stidham said. “We think it’s a good spot.”

Safeen grabbed two stakes last year, including Ellis Park’s Grade 3 Pucker Up. She finished off the board in her final three tries in 2023 and starts back for trainer Eddie Kenneally.

“The winter off did her some good. It was by design just to freshen her up,” Kenneally said. “She’s very strong.”

Five Towns recently won a first-level allowance over Gulfstream’s Tapeta for Graham Motion.

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