The build-up to Friday’s feature at Laurel Park has brought together a field of progressive three-year-old fillies, each arriving with contrasting form lines and ambitions as they line up for the $150,000 Grade 3 contest over six furlongs on dirt. With consistency, upward trajectories, and fresh challenges all in the mix, the race promises to offer a revealing snapshot of the division’s emerging talent.
At the heart of the line-up is a group of runners who have already shown flashes of quality and resilience, setting the stage for an intriguing renewal of the Miss Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park.
Dependable Peach Tie arrives with one of the most reliable profiles in the field, never finishing worse than third in seven starts. Trained by Brittany Russell, she has been particularly effective at Laurel Park, winning three of her last four outings at the track and showing sharp consistency across different race shapes.
“She’s been really consistent. She’s been really cool to have around,” Russell noted, highlighting both her temperament and adaptability. The filly also brings proven form at the distance, remaining unbeaten in two six-furlong attempts, and will again be partnered by Sheldon Russell from a favourable draw.
Tessellate comes into the race with a strong record that includes multiple stakes victories and significant earnings already in her career. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., she has demonstrated both tactical speed and finishing strength, particularly when given room to operate off the pace.
Her connections believe the drop back to six furlongs may play to her strengths, allowing her to settle before producing a late run. After a valuable rebound win at Tampa Bay Downs, she now steps into graded company once again under Irad Ortiz Jr.
Lights Out Leni represents an intriguing lightly raced contender for Chad Summers. A decisive maiden winner at first asking, she now faces a significant rise in class but carries evident raw ability and early speed.
Summers has been straightforward about the challenge ahead, acknowledging the step up while maintaining confidence in her natural talent. Luis Saez takes the ride as she looks to translate promise into top-level performance.
Little Miss Curlin brings one of the most consistent records in the field, with five wins from six starts for trainer Patrick Devereaux. A former standout in Louisiana-bred company, she has already proven she can handle different conditions and competitive fields.
After a brief setback earlier in the year, she returned to winning ways in convincing fashion and now attempts to extend her strong overall record from the inside draw with Jose Ortiz aboard.
Victory Music will be looking to rediscover winning form back at Laurel Park, where she previously scored in the Xtra Heat Stakes. Although her most recent effort did not go to plan, her prior record suggests she is capable of bouncing back in the right setting.
Late Night Text, a stablemate to Tessellate, adds further depth to the field after breaking her maiden impressively at Gulfstream Park. She represents another progressive runner stepping into deeper waters but arrives with momentum and a strong pedigree background.
Getting Closer completes the line-up after a front-running maiden success at Keeneland. Now facing a sterner assignment, she will aim to replicate that early speed against a higher-quality opposition.
With contrasting styles, proven form lines, and several improving fillies in opposition, this year’s renewal at Laurel Park brings together a tightly matched field where progression will be tested under race conditions.
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