What was billed as an encore performance by defending champion and number two rated older female Birds of Paradise in the Grade III Dolly Prummond Stakes turned into a match race by two of the most compelling three year old fillies in the world.
Benny Being Benny battled South Dakota the entire way, opening a four length lead over the rest of the field. Although the lead was diminishing near the end, there was never any question the exacta would be these two – the only question was the order.
At the finish it was South Dakota over Benny Being Benny by a head, as the three year olds dominated the field of eleven which included seven older fillies and mares.
In South Dakota’s previous race, the Grade I Remember Cupid, she beat the number one, two, and five rated three year olds. In beating Benny Being Benny, the Lenny30 trained filly added the number three filly to her resume. Despite the last two victories and nine for 12 sprint record, South Dakota remains rated only sixth in the world. There may be reason to revisit the rating system to give more weight to recent performance.
Benny Being Benny tried her third straight challenge for trainer EBryant. Her last two race came against colts; today she ran against older for the first time and showed no fear as she sprinted to her customary lead.
Closing well at the end for third, was Super16’s Grand Causeway who completed a trifecta of three year olds that paid $2,310.10.
Birds of Paradise was fourth.