BY BROCK SHERIDAN
As a $7,000 yearling purchase and with 20-1 morning line odds in Saturday’s $175,00 Distaff (Grade 3) at Aqueduct, one may think Florida-bred All Class has had trouble encountering those who believe in her. However, trainer Linda Rice found All Class appealing enough to claim her for $62,500 out of a winning effort at Keeneland in October and after three solid races at Aqueduct since, has entered her against in the seven-furlong Distaff.
In her fist start from the Rice barn, All Class rallied from fifth to finish second to next out winner Sunday Girl in a first level allowance race going six-and-a-half furlongs on Dec. 27. She made her next start against first level, $45,000 optional claiming fillies going six furlongs at Aqueduct on Jan. 25 and again made up ground in the stretch, only to finish third behind Strike Has Dial, another next out winner. Last out she improved to finish second to On Command under the same conditions.
With a record of two seconds and a third in three starts at Aqueduct, All Class may have the home track credential for an upset and get her first black type. She has a reliable career record of three wins, three seconds and a third in eight starts with earnings of $131,019.
By Kantharos out of Commentary, by The Factor, All Class was purchased by Span Investments out of the Summerfield consignment at the 2021 Ocala Breeders’ Sales October Yearling Sale. She was bred in Florida by Rustlewood Farm Inc.
All Class has drawn the outside post in the field of seven and Eric Cancel rides.
The filly to beat appears to be Irish Maxima, who looks for her third straight stakes victory for trainer John Servis.
Irish Maxima won the $75,000 Mrs. Claus over a muddy seven furlongs at Parx Racing on Dec. 31 then took the $198,000 Barbara Fritchie going seven furlongs over a good track at Laurel on Feb. 15.
A 4-year-old daughter of Maximus Mischief, Irish Maxima has seven wins and a second in 10 starts and earnings of $419,915 for owner Irish Three Racing.
She is the even-money morning line favorite and will break from the inside post with Frankie Pennington in the saddle.
Rounding out the field are Sea Dancer with jockey Manny Franco, Ocean Gateway with Dylan Davis in the irons, Jose Lezcano guides St. Benedicts Prep, Socially Selective has Joel Rosario riding and Royal Spa will be ridden by Alex Achard.
Return to the April 4 issue of Wire to Wire
