Bosserati made a striking return to the racetrack, demonstrating impressive determination to secure a narrow victory in the prestigious five-furlong sprint for fillies and mares at Pimlico Race Course. After a break of over five months, the five-year-old Maryland-bred mare, trained by Brittany Russell, showed she still has the speed and grit to compete at a high level by holding off a strong challenge from Accomplished Girl.
The event was part of a thrilling day filled with six stakes races totaling over a million dollars in purses, highlighted by the renowned Black-Eyed Susan Day program. Bosserati, guided expertly by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., who stepped in after Sheldon Russell was unseated earlier that day, quickly took the lead and set a solid pace through the early stages of the race. The contest saw her and her closest rival battling side by side down the stretch, with Bosserati refusing to relinquish her position, ultimately prevailing by a mere head.
This win marked Bosserati’s third triumph in four races at Pimlico, improving her career record and adding another notable achievement to her resume, which already includes victories in the 2023 Stormy Blues and the Maryland Million Turf Sprint. These accomplishments highlight her consistency and ability over sprint distances, particularly on turf.
Trainer Brittany Russell, who has made history as Maryland’s leading trainer and the first woman to earn multiple meet titles in the state, expressed relief and satisfaction with the performance. Her confidence in Bosserati’s readiness was well-founded, as the mare displayed her characteristic front-running style and competitive spirit. Ortiz praised Bosserati’s natural racing instincts, noting how effortlessly she took the lead and maintained it without needing to be pushed hard.
The race also served as a tribute to the legacy of The Very One, a legendary mare purchased in Maryland decades ago who rose from modest beginnings to become a multiple graded stakes winner with an impressive career. The stakes race named in her honor continues to attract top fillies and mares, showcasing thrilling turf sprints and fierce competition.
This exciting victory not only signals a promising season ahead for Bosserati but also underscores the strength and depth of Maryland’s racing scene, supported by dedicated trainers, skilled jockeys, and passionate owners. The event was a memorable highlight on an action-packed day that featured a mix of thrilling races and showcased the talent and heart of thoroughbred racing at Pimlico.
