Sis City hits wire 16 lengths in front

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Sis City established herself as the leading East Coast contender for the Kentucky Oaks after cruising to a spectacular 16-length victory over In the Gold in Saturday's $150,000 at Gulfstream Park.

John Velazquez rode Sis City for trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. The victory was the Eclipse Award-winning rider's third straight graded-stakes win on the card.

As expected, Sis City set the pace in the Grade 2 Davona Dale while pressed early by longshot Leona's Knight. In the Gold, well placed just behind the leaders, moved up to challenge Sis City leaving the backstretch but proved no match for the favorite once the pair turned into the stretch. Jill Robin L finished third, 1 1/4 lengths behind In the Gold.

Sis City, a daughter of Slew City Slew, was claimed by Dutrow for owners Sanford Goldfarb, Joe Torre, and Michael Dubb for $50,000 at Saratoga on Aug. 5. The Davona Dale was her third stakes win in five starts since changing barns. She was also third in the Grade 1 Frizette and fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies.

Sis City paid $4 after covering 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.20. She could start next in the Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs on March 19.

"She rated well for Johnny," said Dutrow. "This was a good win for us and showed how well she does with proper time between races. I think the race in Tampa might be the smartest move for her next start. I don't think there'll be too much heading that way, and the spacing will be perfect to give us plenty of time to prepare her for the Kentucky Oaks."

Old Hat: Maddalena stays undefeated

A year ago, the undefeated and untested Madcap Escapade earned her first stakes victory with an easy win in the $100,000 . On Saturday, the undefeated and untested Maddalena turned in a similarly dominant performance en route to a 7 1/4-length triumph in the Grade 3 Old Hat.

Maddalena ($3.40), a 3-year-old daughter of Good and Tough, contested the early pace in the 6 1/2-furlong race with stablemate Portsea, shook free in early stretch, and drew off steadily. Alfonsina recovered from a slow start to finish second, 1 1/4 lengths in front of Aspen Tree.

Maddalena is trained by Todd Pletcher for owners Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor. She was timed in 1:16.31.

"This filly has been special from day one," said Pletcher. "She's just one of those freaky fast horses."

Pletcher said Maddalena will likely make her next start in the Grade 2 Forward Gal Stakes at seven furlongs on March 5.