The Grade 1, $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap attracted nine fillies and mares who have earned over $7 million in career earnings.
At the forefront are two horses who have achieved the highest level of success in their respective races, Wet Paint and Adare Manor. Wet Paint emerged victorious in the prestigious G1 Coaching Club American Oaks last summer and is now making a comeback after a well-deserved break of five months, subsequent to finishing in eighth place in the highly competitive G1 Breeders' Cup Distaff.
Honour D Lady is quite impressive. The 4-year-old comes into this race following a commanding victory in the G3 Royal Delta Stakes in February.
Misty Veil and Bellamore recently secured second and third place, respectively, in the G2 Azeri Stakes on this track, indicating their potential to be contenders in the upcoming event. Shotgun Hottie finished in fourth place in the Azeri, marking her second race of the year following a break. Last summer, she achieved back-to-back victories in two prestigious races, one of which was the highly regarded G3 Molly Pitcher Stakes.