Sprint goes through Joseph-trained pair of Midtown Rose, Archumybaby

Racing will resume Thursday with a nine-race program highlighted by a $46,000 optional-claiming event carded at 6 1/2 furlongs for fillies and mares over the main track. The headliner attracted a field of seven, including a pair from the barn of trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. – Midtown Rose and Archumybaby.

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Midtown Rose appears to be the stronger of the Joseph pair, having finished second twice and third in her last three starts under similar, if not slightly tougher, conditions. She has failed recently to duplicate the career-best performance she produced here in her 2019 finale when earning an 88 Beyer Speed Figure defeating Florida-breds under somewhat similar conditions.

Archumybaby makes her local debut and first start since being transferred to Joseph’s stable from trainer Brad Cox earlier this spring. A New York-bred, Archumybaby owns far and away the most victories of any member of this field with 12. The most recent was a hard-fought neck decision in a $25,000 claiming test for statebreds at Aqueduct on New Year’s Day.

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The horse to fear is likely Sky Chaser, who brings a two-race winning streak into the race, including a neck victory against Florida-bred optional-claiming rivals going a mile in a race switched from the turf to the main track on April 30. She won her nonwinners-of-three condition under a $20,000 claiming tag just 25 days earlier.

The remainder of the field is Hy Dollface, Bargainaire, Flashing Diamond, and Crumb Bun.