Payne’s Prairie (Tale of Ekati) will make his first start for new connections
in the $200,000
Best Pal (G2),
one of two stakes races Saturday at Del Mar along with the $250,000
John C. Mabee
(G2) for turf distaffers. Now trained by Michael Pender, Paynes Prairie
finished a close second in the Tremont Stakes before breaking his maiden
impressively by 3 ½ lengths at Belmont Park last out.
Martin Pedroza picks up the mount on the speedster. Other contenders in the 6
1/2 –furlong race include Santa Anita Juvenile winner Found Money (Square Eddie)
and debut scorer Nyquist (Uncle Mo), both from the Doug O’Neill stable.
Fanticola (Silent Name) and Queen of the Sand (Footstepsinthesand), the
one-two finishers from the June 27 Royal Heroine (G2) at Santa Anita, will renew
their rivalry in the 1 1/8-mile Mabee.
For more on the races, visit the
Twin Spires Blog.