The Friday race card at Pimlico Race Course is brimming with anticipation as the Hilltop Stakes and The Very One offer exciting turf contests for fillies and mares, setting the stage for a high-profile weekend that culminates with the Preakness Stakes. Among the key contenders is Pretty Lavish, a promising filly aiming to return to winning ways after an underwhelming effort in her last outing.
Pretty Lavish, who boasts a strong early record with wins in both Ireland and the U.S., is looking to bounce back after a lackluster performance in her graded stakes debut at Tampa Bay Downs. Although her eighth-place finish in the Florida Oaks raised questions, her trainer believes the quick progression may have come too soon in her American campaign. With a brief freshening up and a tactical switch in approach, the team is optimistic she can recapture her earlier form on Friday.
The one-mile Hilltop Stakes has attracted a competitive field of nine 3-year-old fillies, with several intriguing challengers lined up. Me Governor brings a solid resume, having earned over $200,000 from consistent efforts, while Sigh No More enters the fray after racing exclusively in Ireland and winning at the Group level. Lightly raced Obeissante adds another layer of intrigue, arriving off a confident maiden win under a high-profile trainer. Other runners such as Princess Attitude, Play With Fire, and White Rocks complete what should be a lively contest.
Meanwhile, turf sprinters will take center stage in The Very One Stakes, a five-furlong dash that has drawn a wide-open field of seasoned fillies and mares. Bosserati, a Maryland-bred who has shown an affinity for Pimlico’s turf, returns with hopes of improving on her past performance in this same race. Her connections feel she’s in sharper form this year and ready to contend.
Loon Cry, a consistent turf performer last season, and Accomplished Girl, who has piled up over $600,000 in earnings across her career, bring both class and experience to the lineup. Another notable entrant is Pinotslilgirl, a four-year-old known for her versatility and early speed. Her trainer speaks highly of her ability to handle different surfaces and sees the turf sprint as an ideal opportunity for her to shine.
The field for The Very One is large and deep, including horses with varying profiles—some with local success, others with broader resumes—and collectively they set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling contest. With the stakes races supporting a massive day of racing action, fans can look forward to compelling storylines, breakout performances, and plenty of momentum heading into Preakness 150 weekend.
