Huge Test

Tweet It's go time for La Chica Rica. Saturday on Md. Million Day at Laurel Park she takes on a very solid field in the $150K Maryland Million Distaff Handicap in Race 10 stretching out to 7 furlongs. She is at 10-1 on the morning line carrying 116 pounds. She goes up against her bitter arch rival All Giving (8-1, 118 lbs) who snapped her five race winning streak at Timonium on 30Aug in a $50K non-graded stakes race. This is a huge test for Chica, but Bella Cavello's managing partner likes her chances: "She deserves a shot at this level. She has beat some of the horses in this race. This race could setup for her nicely - All Giving will get a lot of pressure early. I'll tell you one thing - She will leave it all out there." Trainer Crystall Pickett sends out TL Dunkelberger who had the ride on two of the wins during the summer streak. The ML favorite is Fancy Diamond (3-1, 113 lbs) who sports the highest speed figures in the race and has Jeremy Rose on board and should command a lot of the action at the window for trainer Michael Maker. She was last seen at the Spa winning a N2x with Cornelio aboard. Second choice Lexi Star (4-1, 119 lbs) and third choice Jet Away Jane (7-2, 118 lbs) also post some solid numbers, coming into the race. Lexi Star finishing a distant third to star filly Hystericalady in the Molly Pitcher Stakes (G2) at Monmouth last out. Jet Away Jane won last out in non-graded $100K stakes at Philly Park, with her regular rider Angel Rodriguez up. Lastly, sneaky Michael Trombetta enters Spectacular Malibu (5-1, 117 lbs) coming off three poly races at PID and shortening in distance.

This is definitely one of the stiffest tests Chica has faced in her career, and at 10-1 or higher she might be worth a play in the exotics, as this race could be wide open. This should be a great race to keep an eye on.