By Christie DeBernardis
Lady Sheila Stable's Downtown Mama (Speightstown) suffered the first loss of her previously perfect young career last time in Saratoga's GII Prioress S. Sept. 3 and looks to make amends on a quick turnaround in Saturday's GIII Charles Town Oaks. Opening her account with a victory at Laurel Apr. 23, the roan defeated her elders next out in a Belmont allowance May 27 and followed suit with a front-running optional claimer score there July 13. Brushed at the start of a sloppy renewal of the Prioress, Downtown Mama recovered to chase the pace, but was floated wide and bumped in the stretch, ending up sixth. Trainer Linda Rice and owner Sheila Rosenblum seek their second win in this test, having captured the 2015 renewal with Hot City Girl (City Zip).
Heroine of the GII Forward Gal S. earlier this term, Tequilita (Union Rags) checked in second to GI Cotillion S. contender Salty (Quality Road) in the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks Apr. 1. Seventh after a troubled trip in the GI Kentucky Oaks May 5, the bay rallied five wide to be third in Saratoga's GI Test S. Aug. 5.
WinStar Farm's Overture (Congrats) faded to third behind a pair of next-out winners in a 1 1/16-mile optional claimer at Belmont June 1, but rebounded with a wire-to-wire victory in the GIII Indiana Oaks July 15. Setting the early pace last time in the GIII Monmouth Oaks Aug. 12, the dark bay was overtaken late to be third behind Cotillion runner Teresa Z (Smart Strike) and the re-opposing Sine Wave (Big Brown).
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
