Does Marketing Mix Really Want a Piece of Winter Memories?

9/18/2011 8:15 PM
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10 03 2010: Winter Memories with Jose Lezcano up win the 31nd running of the Grade III Miss Grillo, for 2-year olds fillies on the turf at 1 1/16, Belmont Park, Elmont, NY. Trainer J.J. Toner. Owners Phillips Racing Partners
Yesterday proved a big day for the three-year-old turf fillies.

First at Belmont, Winter Memories turned in a breathtaking performance to win the Grade 1 Garden City Stakes. Trapped behind the entire field, Winter Memories seemed hopelessly beaten by the wall of horses that blocked her anticpated burst of speed. Suddenly, and well into the stretch, Winter Memories and her new jockey Javier Castellano angled to the far outside, and the race was on. The acceleration by the female silver streak was nothing short of awesome, carrying her to a neck victory over European invader Theyskens’ Theory. It was the sixth win in eight starts for the daughter of El Prado, who is quickly becoming one of the brightest stars in American racing.

If you’ve yet to see a replay of the race, get ready to drop your jaw…




A little later in Suburban Chicago, it was Glen Hill Farm’s Marketing Mix who would dazzle onlookers with a decisive burst of speed in Saturday’s Grade III Pucker Up Stakes at Arlington Park. Her full field of competitors were left with little to do but watch her swoosh her tail from there, as the Canadian bred daughter of Medalia d’Oro rolled home by an emphatic 3 ¼ lengths. Ridden by Junior Alvarado and trained by turf master, Tom Proctor, Marketing Mix covered the mile and an eighth over the firm Arlington turf in a snappy 1:49.24.

The victory was the second impressive performance on turf in as many tries for the Canadian invader. In her previous start, she won the $250,000 Wonder Where Stakes at Woodbine by nearly five lengths. Needless to say her turf career has gotten off to a smashing start.

Here is a replay of the Marketing Mix reply to Winter Memories…



Both fillies are reported to have come out of their impressive efforts in good order, so the next question is what’s next for the pair of lawn lovers? It appears a showdown is in order. Keeneland’s Grade I Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup on October 15 has long been on the dance card for the Jimmy Toner trained Winter Memories, and now we know that race will also be the target of Marketing Mix.

 “She’s [Marketing Mix] a pretty good filly, said her trainer Tom Proctor. “We’ll see, but I’d probably say the ‘QEII’ is next,” Proctor said when asked about future plans for Marketing Mix.  “The Pucker Up was a good race but there’s a big difference in the two races.  But I know two of ‘em (Pucker Up) winners have won that (next) race – Chris Block’s filly (Lothenbach Stables’ Vacare in 2006) and Phil Sims’ filly (Nelson McMakin’s Hot Cha Cha) two years ago.”

Granted the Pucker Up has proven to be a great prelude to the most important turf race for three-year-old fillies (the QE II) and I applaud Proctor for not being afraid to test his new star, but I have to wonder if he realizes what he is getting into by tackling Winter Memories.

Yes, Tom, there will be a big difference in the two races, and her name is Winter Memories. Good luck!

[See where Winter Memories rates in the latest HRN Power Rankings of 3yo fillies]

 

What the Nation is saying about Does Marketing Mix Really Want a Piece of Winter Memories?...

She seems capable with the right trip, but after that trip WM had against that crawling pace, to kick past the rest which included a couple good horses...my answer would have to be no.
The QE II is the best, of her age group, plus it always attracts a few Europeans. We may all be a little disappointed that it will be her last race of her year, but this is a filly that will not be retired anytime soon. How would you like to see a more mature Winter Memories running at four and maybe five?
I wouldnt think anyone wants a piece of WM after that kickass display! :)
Oh, my, be still my heart! We are being treated to some really superb filly/mare spectacles this year! I have mixed emotions about WM running in the QEII, as I would prefer to see her run in the Breeders Cup Turf. She deserves the chance to race against the best.

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Arlington Park Belmont Park Garden City Garden City (2011) Javier J. Castellano Keeneland Marketing Mix Pucker Up Pucker Up (2011) QE II Challenge Cup QE II Challenge Cup (2011) Theyskens' Theory Thomas F. Proctor Winter Memories

 

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