It was a story of redemption and realization for Spirit Doll, who found her true calling on the grass. After two troubled starts on dirt, the Peachtree Stable homebred filly came alive on turf, sweeping to an emphatic 6½-length victory in Saturday’s $75,000 Our Dear Peggy Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
Ridden with quiet confidence by Edgard Zayas and trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Spirit Doll ($9.60) seemed to glide effortlessly over the firm turf, clocking 1:33.87 for the mile in the two-turn feature for two-year-old fillies. The result marked a breakthrough moment for the daughter of Tiz the Law — a sire famed for his Grade 1 dirt credentials but now making a statement with progeny showing flair on the turf.
“It was a question mark how she’d handle it,” Zayas reflected. “But she definitely has the pedigree for it, and she’d been working great. She really didn’t disappoint today.”
Perfect Trip, Perfect Response
From the break, longshot Little Torch set a steady early tempo, posting 23.38 for the opening quarter, before Bayou Brigid joined her at the half-mile in 47.23. Zayas kept Spirit Doll poised behind the leaders, biding his time before swinging wide off the far turn. When asked, the filly responded instantly, accelerating clear in the stretch with a burst that left her rivals flat-footed.
“It set up beautifully,” Zayas said. “I was able to sit a pocket trip, brought her to the outside, and she just exploded when I asked her.”
Behind her, Vita Mia — runner-up in the Hallandale Beach Stakes last month — finished a distant but clear second, 4¼ lengths ahead of Bayou Brigid. Spicy Princess followed, while Little Torch and even-money favorite Storm’s Wake faded out of contention. That Police, Miss Picky, and Y’allreadyforthis completed the order of finish, with Bert’s Knoty Girl and Dandona scratched from the lineup.
From Saratoga Setback to Gulfstream Glory
The victory was a satisfying turnaround for the promising filly. After winning her debut at Saratoga in August despite a rough start, Spirit Doll faced tough luck in the Spinaway (G1), stumbling early and never finding her rhythm. But on Saturday, under the South Florida sunshine, she looked every inch the filly Saffie Joseph always believed she could be.
“Saffie’s always been high on her,” Zayas noted. “He was disappointed in her Spinaway run — she just never fired that day. But putting her on turf really brought out her talent. She showed what she’s capable of.”
With her Our Dear Peggy win, Spirit Doll not only confirmed her versatility but also hinted at a bright future in the turf stakes division — one that might just see her follow in her sire’s winning footsteps, but on an entirely different surface.
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