As part of the celebratory 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, Friday’s Grade 3 Miss Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course brings together a compelling field of 13 three-year-old fillies set to contest a six-furlong sprint. Among the entries is Family, a filly stepping onto the dirt track for the first time. Despite her untested surface experience, her pedigree suggests she might take to it naturally. Her bloodline includes a sire who posted an elite speed figure in a major dirt race and a dam with stakes wins on the surface. A half-sister also proved successful in graded company, providing further optimism for her connections.
Previously trained by Michelle Elliott, Family began her career at Turfway Park on a synthetic track, showing early promise with a debut victory at long odds before narrowly missing a follow-up win. Now under the care of Saffie Joseph Jr., she recently posted a sharp five-furlong workout in Florida, indicating her readiness for this class test.
A standout in the field is Vodka With a Twist, who brings significant graded stakes experience. After a juvenile season highlighted by a Churchill Downs stakes victory and notable placings in prestigious Grade 1 events, she shortens up in distance after a string of longer races. Her consistency at the highest level makes her a formidable presence.
Another leading contender is Stunner, who has rarely missed the top two in her six-start career. With placings in graded races at both Gulfstream and Keeneland this year, the filly trained by Brad Cox appears poised for another strong effort. Her connections are optimistic after a solid workout and a resilient performance over a challenging muddy track in her last outing.
Echo Sound is another to watch, having impressed as a two-year-old with a trio of wins and a strong second in a Churchill stakes race. Though she missed an early season target due to timing issues, her trainer believes she’s matured well and enters this event at just the right time.
G W’s Girl, who transitioned from turf to dirt over the winter, made a splash with back-to-back stakes wins at Oaklawn before faltering in sloppy conditions last out. Her trainer is hopeful a return to firmer footing will see her bounce back to her best form.
High Paf steps up in class after two eye-catching wins at Laurel Park. Known for her sharp finishing kick, she presents a wildcard factor in her stakes debut. Her trainer has noted both her talent and temperament, pointing out that while she can be a challenge at the starting gate, her raw ability could carry her far.
Volleyball Princess comes into the race off a couple of thirds in stakes company, having previously crushed her rivals in a dominating performance at Aqueduct. A disrupted training schedule and unfavorable track conditions have affected her more recent efforts, but she remains a threat on her day.
Also in the lineup are several fillies with recent stakes form, including Delray and Hollygrove, who bring solid records on synthetic and dirt. Mila Rose is another unbeaten filly with strong backing, trained by the Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen.
Speedy Long Neck Paula brings a unique angle, having defeated male rivals in a Keeneland sprint. Her form against colts adds an extra layer of intrigue, as does her ability to handle pressure in quick races. Rounding out the competitive dozen are multiple stakes-placed fillies Not Too Late and You’ll Be Back, who look to capitalize on their experience in this evenly matched contest.
The Miss Preakness Stakes, as part of the Preakness weekend festivities, continues to showcase rising stars in the sprint division and will play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of these fillies’ careers as they move deeper into their three-year-old campaigns.
