In a thrilling competition at Aqueduct Racetrack, several promising two-year-old fillies will be vying for valuable points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. The $125,000 Busanda Stakes, set for Saturday, offers an opportunity for these young talents to showcase their potential over nine furlongs. The race not only serves as a crucial stepping stone but also provides the top five finishers with qualifying points towards the prestigious Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks in May.

Aqueduct's Busanda Stakes: A Key Race for Rising Stars

The Busanda Stakes, taking place this Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack, features a field of talented sophomore fillies competing over a challenging nine-furlong distance. Among the contenders is Ramify, a chestnut filly trained by Chad Brown, who made an impressive debut victory in December. Despite starting from last place, Ramify demonstrated remarkable determination and surged ahead under jockey Flavien Prat to claim the win in 1:38.64, earning a commendable Beyer Speed Figure of 76.

Another notable entrant is Running Away, a daughter of Gun Runner, who switched surfaces to dirt and won her last start by five lengths at Churchill Downs. Trainer Wesley Ward believes she has found her niche on the dirt track, where she can utilize her natural front-running style. Her pedigree includes a lineage of successful runners, adding depth to her already impressive resume.

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher enters two strong contenders: Carmen’s Candy Jar and Ruth. Carmen’s Candy Jar, despite a recent fifth-place finish, showed promise in earlier state-bred stakes races. Ruth, a maiden winner in her debut, looks to continue her winning streak under Pletcher's guidance. Both horses aim to extend Pletcher's record of Busanda victories.

The race promises excitement as each filly seeks to earn critical points toward the Kentucky Oaks. With a mix of proven performers and emerging talents, the Busanda Stakes sets the stage for an unforgettable day of racing.

From a spectator's perspective, the Busanda Stakes highlights the competitive nature of horse racing and the importance of strategic training and preparation. It underscores the significance of early-season races in shaping the futures of young thoroughbreds. For trainers and owners, this event offers a glimpse into the potential of their charges, while fans enjoy witnessing the rise of future stars. The Busanda Stakes is more than just a race; it's a pivotal moment in the careers of these young athletes.