MADCAP ESCAPADE (Hennessy) took Gulfstream Park by storm last year when
taking her first three career starts by large margins and went on to capture the
Ashland S. (G1) at Keeneland before suffering her first defeat with a game
third-place showing in the Kentucky Oaks (G1). The Frank Brothers trainee was
sidelined following that race, but she finally returns to the races on Saturday at
Gulfstream in the $150,000 Shirley Jones H. (G2). Madcap Escapade drew the rail
with jockey Jerry Bailey for the seven-furlong contest and will face six challengers.
It won’t be easy. ALIX M (End Sweep) has really come on for conditioner
Ronald Spatz this winter, recording a runner-up finish in December’s Chaposa
Springs H. (G3) prior to a commendable 3 1/2-length romp in the Sunshine
Millions Filly & Mare Sprint last out. Multiple Grade 1 queen SOCIETY SELECTION
(Coronado’s Quest) is also in the field. Her accomplishments include a stellar 6
1/4-length score in the seven-furlong Test S. (G1).
The complete field, from the inside out with riders and weights, is Madcap
Escapade, 118; Society Selection, Cornelio Velasquez, 120; EXPECT AN ANGEL
(Valid Expectations), Jose Lopez, 111; SLEWS FINAL ANSWER (Seattle Slew), Eibar
Coa, 114; D’WILDCAT SPEED (Forest Wildcat), Eddie Castro, 114; GIVEMEMORE (Brz)
(Special Nash [Ire]), Manoel Cruz, 114; and Alix M, Javier Castellano, 115.