You Bought Her seeks repeat in Minaret
OLDSMAR, Fla. – Last year, You Bought Her used a win in the Minaret Stakes as a prep for the Grade 2 Inside Information, where her rally fell a neck short of the victorious Classic Point. Trainer David Hinsley has the same path mapped out for You Bought Her this year, so the 6-year-old mare will be back at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday to defend her crown in the $50,000 Minaret Stakes.
The Minaret is a six-furlong race that drew a field of 10 older fillies and mares, with You Bought Her drawing the outside post under Brian Pedroza. You Bought Her is the 5-2 morning-line favorite, and her backers will point to her 3-for-4 record on the main track at Tampa Bay Downs. But those looking to beat her will note that she has won only two of her 12 starts at the six-furlong distance.
“We’re trying to follow our footsteps from last year,” Hinsley said. “She likes the Tampa track, and she’s doing fantastic. Six furlongs isn’t her best distance; seven furlongs has always been her best distance. But if the speed backs up, she’s usually right there, and that’s what we’re hoping for. She likes the outside [post].”
Minaret Stakes, Race 9
KEY CONTENDERS
You Bought Her, by Graeme Hall
Last 3 Beyers: 87-86-85
• The late-running mare is in top form, having lost the Sunshine Millions Distaff by just a head to Mom’z Laugh last out after finishing third, beaten two lengths by Best Behavior, in the Grade 3 Sugar Swirl. There is some speed in this race, and a hot pace certainly would help her chances.
La Madrina, by Tapit
Last 3 Beyers: 84-87-82
• She’s looking for her first stakes win, having most recently finished a well-beaten third behind Room for Me in the Garland of Roses Stakes at Aqueduct in December. She tuned up for her 2016 debut with a bullet half-mile work in 48.60 seconds at Payson Park on Monday.
No Fault of Mine, by Blame
Last 3 Beyers: 84-77-79
• This Grade 2-placed runner responded in a big way when shortened up to a sprint last month, romping by 5 3/4 lengths in an optional $100,000 claimer here. Perhaps sprinting is what she really wants to do.