The excitement is palpable in the Manitoba harness racing community as the 2024 season heats up with the highly anticipated MSSBA Silk Lace Stakes for three-year-old fillies. With a total purse of $7,617, this race brings together an impressive lineup that makes handicapping a challenging task.
Key Contenders:
1. Trust Me Alot (Trust The Artist): The reigning MSSBA Two-Year-Old Filly of the Year has found her rhythm after a slow start to the season, registering two consecutive victories. With a personal best time of 2:02.1, she has shown resilience and determination. Trained by Jacqueline Grundy and driven by Tyler Grundy, Trust Me Alot aims to continue her upward trajectory and capitalise on her experience from last year, where she excelled in major stakes events.
2. Choozetocruise (Lambretta): Holding an impressive perfect record of five wins in five starts this season, Choozetocruise is a force to be reckoned with. After not winning as a two-year-old, she has significantly turned her fortune around, highlighted by a lifetime best of 1:58.4 in the Lady Crocus Stakes. Training by Trevor Williams and driven by Glenn Le Drew, her recent wire-to-wire performances suggest she is in peak form, although drawing the outside post may present an initial challenge.
3. Grit N Grace (Im The Pied Piper): This filly has shown remarkable consistency, winning three of her four races. With an inside draw at post two, her chances appear favourable. Grit N Grace secured her first victory in the Lady Crocus Stakes as well, pacing in 1:58.4. She is trained by Lorraine Rey with Dean Rey in the bike, and her ability to win from various positions makes her a serious contender.
4. Chasin Rainbows (Spinfiniti): Chasin Rainbows is also trained by Lorraine Rey and has recently broken her maiden with a victory in 2:02.3. Her previous performances show promise, though she’ll have to contend with the more experienced fillies in this field. Blake Piwniuk will take the reins as she looks to build on her recent success.
5. Chocolate Bomb (Armbro Baylor): The only filly in the race without a win, Chocolate Bomb has yet to find her footing. However, her rail position might provide her with a strategic advantage. Trained by Sherri Mason and driven by Darryl Mason, she will be seeking her first career victory amid stronger competition.
As the fillies prepare to face off, excitement surrounds the potential for competitive racing and dramatic upsets. The stakes are high as each filly vies for early dominance in the stakes series. The Silk Lace Stakes will take place on Saturday, with the first race kicking off at 1:00 p.m. CST. Racing enthusiasts will surely be in for a thrilling afternoon.