Hard Not to Like' Defending Champ in Jenny Wiley

Hard Not to Like (Hard Spun) looks to successfully defend her title in Keeneland's GI Jenny Wiley S. Saturday in just her second start since that victory. It is also the gray's second start since being purchased by Speedway Stable for $1.5 million at the Keeneland November sale and transferred to Christophe Clement. Previously campaigned by Hillsbrook Farm and trainer Michael Matz, the 6-year-old kicked off last term with an optional claimer victory on the Gulfstream lawn in February prior to her 13-1 upset of GISW Discreet Marq (Discreet Cat) six weeks later. Benched for the rest of the season, Hard Not to Like made her return for her new connections a winning one in Tampa Bay's 
GIII Endeavour S. Jan. 31, but was disqualified and placed second behind Testa Rossi (Fr) (Dr Fong) for interference in deep stretch. “She's done everything right since [the Endeavour] and she deserves to line up against a top field again,” Clement's assistant Lee Vickers said. 

Juddmonte Farms homebred Filimbi (Mizzen Mast) seeks her first win past a mile for Hall of Famer Bill Mott. Third to champion Dayatthespa (City Zip) in this venue's GI First Lady S. Oct. 4, the gray earned her first graded stakes win overEmotional Kitten (Kitten's Joy), who was disqualified and placed fourth, in Santa Anita's GII Goldikova S. Nov. 2. She was last seen finishing fifth behind MGISW Stephanie's Kitten (Kitten's Joy) in Tampa Bay's GIII Hillsborough S. Mar. 7. 

The always dangerous Chad Brown saddles Hillsborough runner-up Ball Dancing (Exchange Rate) for WS Farish and Steve Mooney. Previously campaigned in France, the dark bay captured her U.S. debut in Belmont's GII Sands Point S. Sept. 13, and was a close second behind 'TDN Rising Star' Crown Queen (Smart Strike) in this venue's GII Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Oct. 11 prior to her seasonal bow at Tampa. 

Another runner who could make some noise at a price is G Watts Humphrey Jr. and St George Farm Racing's GI Del Mar Oaks upsetter Personal Diary (City Zip). The Victoria Oliver trainee finished fourth in the QEII, but was promoted to third through disqualification, and was fourth last time in Churchill Downs's GII Mrs. Revere S. Nov. 15.