The racing world is abuzz with anticipation as some of the most promising three-year-old fillies prepare to compete in the prestigious $125,000 Busanda Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack. Scheduled for Saturday at 3:39 p.m. EST, this 1 1/8-mile event offers crucial qualifying points towards the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks on May 2. The race features a lineup of talented horses, each bringing their own unique story and potential to the track.

A Showcase of Talent and Strategy

In the heart of winter, Aqueduct Racetrack will host an impressive field of nine fillies, each vying for victory and valuable points. Among the contenders is Ramify, a chestnut filly trained by Chad Brown, who made her stakes debut after an impressive maiden win at Aqueduct. Her performance, characterized by a strong finish under jockey Flavien Prat, earned her a top Beyer Speed Figure of 76.

Another notable entrant is Running Away, a Kentucky homebred who has shown versatility between turf and dirt surfaces. Trained by Wesley Ward, she secured a dominant five-length victory in her last start at Churchill Downs. Her front-running style and adaptability make her a formidable competitor.

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher enters two runners: Carmen’s Candy Jar, who finished fifth in the Grade 2 Demoiselle, and Ruth, a recent maiden winner at Gulfstream Park. Both fillies bring solid pedigrees and competitive form into the race.

Bernieandtherose, trained by Domenick Schettino, has been in excellent form, winning her last two starts by substantial margins. My Sherrona, trained by Ray Handal, seeks redemption after narrowly losing to Ramify in December. Beautiful Blome, the lone stakes winner in the field, adds further depth to an already star-studded lineup.

The race also includes Sharp Smile, trained by Brad Cox, and Bless the Broken, who was cross-entered in another event but will now focus on the Busanda. Each horse brings its own strengths and strategies, making for an unpredictable yet thrilling competition.

From post 3, Ramify will be ridden by José Lezcano, while Running Away will have Sahin Civaci aboard from post 9. Other key riders include Kendrick Carmouche, José Gómez, Romero Maragh, Eric Cancel, Manny Franco, Ruben Silvera, and Katie Davis.

Reflections on the Race's Significance

The Busanda Stakes not only serves as a stepping stone to the Kentucky Oaks but also highlights the importance of early-season performances in shaping the future careers of these young fillies. For trainers and owners, it represents a critical opportunity to gauge the potential of their horses and refine their strategies.

As spectators and enthusiasts gather to witness this high-stakes event, the race underscores the relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport of horse racing. It reminds us that success often hinges on meticulous preparation, strategic planning, and the unyielding spirit of both horses and humans alike. The Busanda Stakes promises to be a memorable chapter in the journey toward the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing.