Nob Hill convincing at Massachusetts
Massachusetts– Novanora’s Nob Hill did everything asked of her picture-perfect. The sophomore daughter of Miesque’s Son went off as the solid 8/5 favorite in the $80,000 Jess Shark Special and did not disappoint her backers.
Top Massachusetts jock Silvio Blade hustled the starlet early out of the gate in the grassy 8 furlong contest for three year old fillies. Through the opening half-mile, Nob Hill got into a tempting speed duel with plunk’s Fusaichi Pegasus filly Fusaitariat (2/1 in her turf debut). However the latter folded by the three-quarter marker, freeing up Nob Hill’s solo run to the wire.
Nob Hill was never threatened afterwards, chased home by epcotlen’s late closer Theatrical Fog(IRE). Theatrical Fog(IRE) continues to impress in short routes — her stamina-laden Theatrical(IRE) pedigree stamps her as one to watch for the Derby de Oaks(G1) in June.
Nob Hill crossed the wire 2 1/2 lengths much the best. Final time for the flat mile was a slow but honest 1:36 3/5, an 89 SP# for the winner.
Highc’s Sudden Winner T nosed out pacesetter Fusaitariat for the show spot, some 10 1/2 lengths behind Nob Hill in the field of six sophomore fillies.
The win pushes Nob Hill’s record to 5 victories from 9 outings with over $490,000 in earnings. She won the Grade 1 G.S.R. Diamond Stakes for turf freshmen fillies last year, but was unplaced on Breeders Bowl and DelPenn Championship days. She continues on the 1,000 Guineas (May, Newmarket) trail and it would be interesting to see her try a turf sprint again (2 for 2 over grass one-turn so far).