Top Beyer fillies Frank's Rockette, Edgeway square off in Purple Martin Stakes

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – It’s a Beyer Speed Figure battle on Saturday when Frank’s Rockette meets Edgeway in the $100,000 Purple Martin Stakes at Oaklawn Park. The six-furlong race is for 3-year-old fillies and drew a field of 10.

Frank’s Rockette earned a Beyer of 98 for her win last out in the $75,000 Any Limit at Gulfstream Park. The number is the highest put up by a 3-year-old filly so far in 2020. The year’s second best Beyer belongs to Edgeway, who earned a 94 for a maiden special weight win last out at Oaklawn.

The strong field Saturday also includes Kimari, a two-time stakes winner who defeated males in the $200,000 Indian Summer in October at Keeneland; Ring Leader, a stakes winner unbeaten at one turn; and Lady Glamour, the third-place finisher in the Grade 2 Golden Rod in November at Churchill Downs.

The 10-race card also includes a first-level allowance route for 3-year-olds that drew Finnick the Fierce, runner-up in last year’s Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, and Answer In, the third-place finisher in the Grade 3 Southwest. Maryanorginger makes her first start since winning the Astoria at Belmont Park in another allowance, while the fifth race has drawn a horse named for these times: Stay Home.

KEY CONTENDERS

Frank’s Rockette, by Into Mischief

Last 3 Beyers: 98-82-69

◗ She launched her 3-year-old season Feb. 22 in the Any Limit, a six-furlong race she won wire to wire by seven lengths. Frank’s Rockette covered the distance on a fast track in 1:09.51.

“It appeared like she did it easily,” said Bill Mott, who trains Frank’s Rockette. “I know she ran fast enough. It was pretty impressive.”

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◗ Frank’s Rockette has shown talent from the start for her breeder and owner, Frank Fletcher. She won her career debut by more than eight lengths last June at Churchill Downs before going on to run second in three straight graded stakes: the Adirondack and Spinaway at Saratoga, and the Frizette at Belmont Park.

“She’s always been very good mentally,” Mott said. “She behaves well.

“She’s a beautiful mover and she can run.”

◗ Jockey Martin Garcia has the mount on Frank’s Rockette from post 8.

“I think she can do whatever she needs to do,” Mott said. “It looks like there’s some speed in the race. By the same token, with that post, I don’t think it forces our hand. We don’t have to do what we don’t want to do.”

◗ Fletcher, who is a resident of Arkansas, is following social distancing guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic and said he plans to watch the race from his home in North Little Rock.

“We’re very excited about her,” he said. “We’re going to gather a few family members and yell and scream at the TV.”

Edgeway, by Competitive Edge

Beyer: 94

◗ She won her career debut wire to wire by five lengths, covering six furlongs in 1:09.05. Tyler Baze will again be aboard.

◗ John Sadler trains for Hronis Racing.