All systems fo for Contested going into the Mother Goose Stakes
The 3-year-old filly, Contested, owned by trainer Bob Baffert’s wife, Natalie J. Baffert, has been in spectacular form lately, in fact after losing her debut race; she hasn’t looked back and went on to score in 4 races in as many starts, winning 4 of her 5 career starts.
Coming on the back of 4 victories on the trot, Contested is ready to take on anyone at this point, be it the top three finishers of the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks.
The Ghostzapper filly, Contested showed how good of a form she’s in after posting a sizzling 6 furlong work in 1 minute and 11 4/5 seconds over Belmont Park’s fast track on 17 June, 2012.
"I had her in 1:11 4/5 and she galloped out nice," Barnes said. "We're ready. (Javier) Castellano worked her and was very happy with the way she worked. I couldn't be happier. Bob is happy. We're all happy."
Trainer Bob Baffert’s assistant, Jim Barnes reported that the filly flew in from California on 16 June, and is currently being readied for the Grade 1 Mother Goose Stakes that will be contested over 1 1/16 miles on 23 June, 2012.
The Mother Goose has reeled in a tough field of 8, 3-year-old fillies – the likes of the Kentucky Oaks winner, Believe You Can, second place finisher, Broadway’s Alibi and the third place finisher, Grace Hall.
Winner of the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, In Lingerie might represent Todd Pletcher in the race with Broadway’s Alibi, but Pletcher is waiting on how Disposablepleasure goes about his work routines – which will decide her inclusion instead of In Lingerie’s.
T. Albertrani trained, Zo Impressive, will get have another shot on Contested in the Mother Goose Stakes, as the Hard Spun filly finished second to Contested in the Grade 1 Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park.
Over a distance of 1 mile, Contested got the better of Zo Impressive and Aubby K, who finished third, while the winner topped the 1 mile distance in 1 minute and 34.61 seconds on 28 May, 2012.
Out of Arch mare Gold Vault, Contested also won the Grade 3 Eight Belles Stakes prior to the Acorn win, when she defeated Good Deed by 4 ¾ lengths.
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