Eclipse finalist I'm a Chatterbox (Munnings) will likely make her 2016 debut in Oaklawn's GI Apple Blossom H. Apr. 15, according to trainer Larry Jones. Stablemate and “TDN Rising Star” Cassatt (Tapit) is also possible for the 1 1/16-mile test.
“Probably only one would come,” Jones said. “We'll just see who is the highest caliber at that time.”
Fletcher and Carolyn Gray homebred I'm a Chatterbox beat up on her rivals in the Fair Grounds GI Kentucky Oaks prep series last season, scoring decisive victories in the Silverbulletday S., GIII Rachel Alexandra S. and GII Fair Grounds Oaks. A late-running third behind stablemate Lovely Maria (Majesticperfection) in the Oaks May 1, she was then given a well-deserved breather and did not return until Saratoga.
The chestnut crossed the wire first when next seen in the Spa's GI CCA Oaks July 26, but was disqualified and placed second for interference. A gutsy second next out in that venue's GI Alabama S., she finally got her Grade I victory at Parx in the GI Cotillion S. Sept. 19 and was a troubled eighth when last seen in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Keeneland Oct. 30.
I'm a Chatterbox boasts a pair of three-panel drills at the Fair Grounds since her return to action earlier this month, covering the distance in :35.40 Feb. 8 (click here for story) and slowing it down a bit to :38.20 Feb. 14.
“She's just now back to breezing, but she runs very well fresh,” commented Jones, who does not plan on running either filly in Oaklawn's GII Azeri S Mar. 19, which is the local prep for the Apple Blossom. “[Chatterbox] runs good fresh, so we are not so much worried about having to have a prep.”
Fox Hill Farms and Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings GSW Cassatt closed out last term with a victory in Remington's She's All In H. Dec. 13. The gray made her seasonal bow last month at Sam Houston, where she finished third when attempting a title defense in the GIII Houston Ladies Classic S. Jan. 30.
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