Twirling Queen, a multiple stakes winner, enters the $150,000 Coronation Cup on a three-race win streak. The race, a 5 1/2-furlong Mellon turf sprint for sophomore fillies, will take place on Friday at Saratoga.
Twirling Queen is 3-for-3 this year under D'Angelo's training. She won two races this winter at Gulfstream Park on synthetic surfaces and her most recent victory was in the Mamzelle Stakes at Churchill Downs on turf.
Luis Saez will ride Twirling Queen again. She won the Mamzelle Stakes under Francisco Arrieta, showcasing her ability to stalk the pace and make a decisive move in the stretch.
Twirling Queen demonstrated versatility by winning from both a leading and stalking position. In the Melody of Colors at Gulfstream, she won despite not securing the lead early, and in the Mamzelle Stakes, she won from a stalking position.
D’Angelo emphasised Twirling Queen's ability to adapt, stating that she doesn't need the lead to win. He also highlighted her professionalism and tactical speed.
Twirling Queen breezed three-eighths in 35.92 seconds over the Saratoga main track. D’Angelo expressed confidence in her performance, noting her speed and readiness for the upcoming race.
Twirling Queen is by Twirling Candy out of the multiple stakes-winning Kantharos mare Adventurous Lady.
She started her career with trainer Norm Casse, racing on dirt in Kentucky and winning her debut at Ellis Park last June.
Star of Mystery, a British homebred for Godolphin, has earned $683,862 with a 10: 4-4-1 record. She performed well as a juvenile at Newmarket and had a busy winter campaign in Dubai, competing against older males in high-profile races.
Star of Mystery finished third in the Jaipur (G1) at Belmont on Belmont Stakes day. She has remained in New York at Godolphin’s Greentree facility, preparing for the Coronation Cup.
Trained by William Walden, Pipsy made an impressive U.S. debut, winning the Soaring Softly (G3) at Belmont. She has demonstrated tactical speed but struggled when stretched to a mile in the Tepin at Churchill Downs.
Pipsy started her career in Ireland and was purchased for $928,489 at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale.
Twirling Queen, under the adept training of Jose D'Angelo, is in excellent form as she steps into the Coronation Cup. Her versatility and recent performances make her a strong contender. However, she faces stiff competition, particularly from Star of Mystery, who brings a wealth of experience from high-level international races. The race promises to be a thrilling contest among these talented fillies.