The Ogden Phipps Showdown

This year's edition of The Ogden Phipps - Grade I - looks to be a very interesting race.

Music Note comes in off her winter layoff and was reported to be working rather dull prior to her latest work dated June 8. Last year she turned into a real tiger as she rattled off giant efforts in Grade I stakes events before finishing 3rd in her Breeders' Cup effort. Today she will be trying to catch some well-meant contenders turning for home.

Seventh Street won the Grade ! Apple Blossom last time out. She was on the lead coasting with a soft early pace and pulled away to an easy victory. With no strong early speed burners in today's field she might be able to get away with another soft early pace. While she hasn't raced in a couple of months she does come in with a string of very sharp works.

While bin Suroor Saeed trains both of these strong contenders they will face a stiff challenge from Seattle Smooth who comes in off 4 consecutive victories and has 4 wins in 6 starts at today's race distance. Seattle figures to be sitting off the early lead and will be asked for her best turning for home. It seems she has blossomed into a very strong finisher with the ability to stay within striking distance in the early going and will be flying late.

This race could be a sign of things to come in the Filly & Mare stakes races to be run this summer and fall.