After a 10-month hiatus, Into Champagne is set to make her comeback in the Grade 3 Hurricane Bertie Stakes at Gulfstream Park. The stakes are high as she faces off against Spirit Wind and five other seasoned fillies and mares in this 6½-furlong sprint. Trained by Ian Wilkes, Into Champagne showed promise in her debut last year, winning by an impressive margin before taking a break. Her return in January 2024 saw her secure a victory in the Glitter Woman Stakes. Meanwhile, Spirit Wind arrives in top form, having won the Poinsettia Stakes at Oaklawn in December. This race promises to be a thrilling competition, with several other notable contenders vying for the top spot.

Into Champagne, a daughter of Into Mischief, was purchased for $300,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September sale. She made her debut in June 2023, dominating the field by nearly seven lengths at Ellis Park. However, her subsequent performance in the Kentucky Oaks left much to be desired, finishing seventh. Trainer Ian Wilkes remains optimistic about her current form, noting that she has improved significantly since her last appearance. "She's stronger now than she was last year," Wilkes remarked, adding that they plan to focus on sprint distances going forward.

Spirit Wind, a 6-year-old mare trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., has been a consistent performer throughout her career. With eight wins from 16 starts, including a victory in the Honorable Miss Stakes (G2) at Saratoga, she enters the Hurricane Bertie Stakes as the favorite. Joseph praised her versatility and noted that while she can lead from the front, she also has the ability to sit off the pace. Joining Spirit Wind in the starting gate are two of Joseph's other horses, R Disaster and Save Time. R Disaster is known for her speed, while Save Time offers a different running style, providing strategic depth to the team.

Nic’s Style, another strong contender, comes into the race after back-to-back stakes victories at Tampa Bay Downs. Trained by Bill Mott, she has demonstrated exceptional form, winning her debut by over six lengths. Junior Alvarado will be in the saddle for Nic’s Style, aiming to add another win to her impressive record. The lineup also includes Ruthless Rua, Done Enough, and others, each bringing their own strengths to the competition.

The Hurricane Bertie Stakes will undoubtedly showcase some of the best talent in the racing world. With Into Champagne returning from a long break and Spirit Wind in peak condition, the race promises to be both competitive and exciting. As the gates open, all eyes will be on these formidable fillies and mares, ready to prove their mettle on the track.