Fergus Galvin’s promising filly Play With Fire made a statement on Black-Eyed Susan Day at Pimlico Race Course, soaring from last to first to claim her first stakes triumph in the $125,000 Hilltop Stakes. The race, restricted to three-year-old fillies and contested over a mile on turf, showcased her tactical turn of foot and marked a turning point in her young career.
On what was an action-packed day featuring six stakes races—including three graded events—Play With Fire delivered a career-best performance that underlined her progress and potential. Entering the race winless in three outings this year and making her first start at the mile distance, she made every inch of her late rally count, passing rivals with authority under a poised ride from jockey Flavien Prat.
The daughter of Oscar Performance bided her time at the rear of the field as the early pace unfolded modestly, with Me Governor setting the fractions. By the time the field straightened for home, Prat had expertly guided Play With Fire wide and into the clear. She responded with a powerful burst, pulling ahead in the final furlong and holding off Pretty Lavish, who had looked a serious threat mid-stretch.
Trainer Brendan Walsh expressed satisfaction with the filly’s development and noted the flexibility in targeting this spot, as an earlier intended race was taken off the turf. His decision to reroute her to Pimlico paid off handsomely. Prat, who also won this race in 2023, praised the filly’s professionalism and responsiveness throughout the contest.
The Hilltop, a race named in homage to Pimlico’s once-iconic infield mound, served as the ideal stage for Play With Fire to shine. Her victory adds depth to what is shaping up to be a competitive turf division for sophomore fillies this season.
Following her in the order of finish were Princess Attitude, Sigh No More, and Obeissante. Early leader Me Governor faded to sixth, while White Rocks and Pure Majestic completed the field. Stakes winner Complexity Jane was a late scratch after getting loose during the post parade.
With this milestone win in just her fifth career start, Play With Fire has positioned herself as one to watch going forward on the turf circuit, especially if she continues to build on the momentum shown at Pimlico.
