Armed With a Million
Repeating their one-two finish in the Bluegrass Oaks, Armed With Money and Casa Bonita stormed from the back to win the Grade III Little Evil Sophomore Stakes in
While nothing will match the prestige of winning the most important race for three year old fillies, the win did have some special meaning for Monksfield, the winning trainer. With the win Armed With Money surpassed $1 million in earnings and solidified her number one ranking. The brown daughter of Military had not won in her four tries since that first weekend in May, and it appears she has regained her form after the grueling chase for a triple tiara.
The Little Evil had never been won by a filly who fell more than four lengths behind the leader, but jockey M Barnes confidently let her settle last in a field of fourteen, falling nearly 12 lengths behind at one point. That made the stretch run interesting as she weaved between foes to win going away.
With her second place finish, Casa Bonita moved up one place in the standings to fourth, despite only one win in her twelve route tries. Trainer Ravencard also ignored the speed bias in the history of the race and had jockey D Singh keep Casa well back early as well.
Classis Jacklad picked up her second graded show in three races. It was a game effort by the Jacklad filly as she dueled the early fractions with the speedy Muscle Shoals, took over after a half and help off all late chargers but two.
Broadway Angel, for the second straight race, was not a factor as the favorite.