Margarita the choice in Eight Thirty Sprint
The 2025 native-bred three-year-old Classic campaign kicks off tomorrow with the highly anticipated $1.05-million Eight Thirty Sprint.
This maiden special weight contest is exclusively for fillies, covering 5 furlongs (1,000m) straight. A talented field of 10 fillies will vie for top honours, each seeking to make a statement in the first major event of the season.
Here’s a detailed analysis of the 10 contenders:
1. NATIVE FLYER: (3 b f by Successful Native – Poly Flyer) – Unfortunately, Native Flyer has done little to impress in her two starts to date. She appears to be outclassed and is unlikely to make a significant impact in this event. Note: First-time Lasix.
2. WOOGIEWAGGIELINKS: (3 b f by Casual Trick – Global) – Making her debut, WoogieWaggieLinks has shown moderate form in morning work. While she may not be a serious contender, this event will provide valuable experience for her future development.
3. QUEEN LATEPHA: (3 b f by Casual Trick – Gold Prince) – Queen Latepha can safely be bypassed in this event, as she lacks the necessary credentials to compete with the leading contenders.
4. REPORTABLE OFFENSE: (3 b f by Deputy Glitters – Official Report) – Faces stiff competition from the leading contenders. It’s unlikely she’ll be able to overcome the challenge and secure a top spot.
5. LADY BABITA: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Lady Abhijita) – Lady Babita made an encouraging debut on December 24, 2024, finishing third by 2 ½ lengths behind Social Aviator and Margarita over 5 furlongs (1,000m) round. With Margarita present in this field, Lady Babita will face a familiar foe. However, she has trained well for this event and has a strong chance of securing the top spot.
6. LINGUIST: (3 b f by Aveenu Malcainu – Bilingual) – Linguist has consistently finished fourth in her two starts to date. While she may not be a leading contender, Linguist is expected to run well once more, potentially securing a minor placing. Note: Figure-8 on.
7. LIFE IS LIGHT: (3 ch f by Hedge Fund – Necromancer) – Life Is Light’s prospects appear limited, with her only realistic hope being a minor placing.
8. MARGARITA: (3 ch f by Aveenu Malcainu – Casual Drink) – Margarita finished a respectable second by 1 ¼ lengths to Social Aviator over 5 furlongs round on December 24. Given her speed and the galloping nature of this course, Margarita could make a significant move and contend for a top spot.
9. DUTCHESS: (3 b f by Casual Trick – Curlin’s MacBeth) – As an interestingly bred filly, Dutchess warrants attention. She has been working fairly well leading up to this event and could potentially run a respectable race.
10. MONEY MISSION: (3 b f by Casual Trick – Daisy Duke) – Unfortunately, Money Mission appears to have no realistic chance of winning this event.
— Ruddy Allen