Miss Brazil’s commanding victory in Monday’s $100,000 Ruthless S. at Aqueduct has the 3-year-old Palace Malice filly likely pointing herself for a start in the March 6 Busher Inv., Aqueduct’s first step on the road to the Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Monday’s race, Miss Brazil’s first stakes start since posting an excellent Beyer Speed Figure of 93 in her Nov. 20 maiden win, was as easy as the 6 1/4-length margin of victory indicated. After some pressure from Dealing Justice in the first quarter-mile, Miss Brazil began to pull clear going into the turn. Eventual runner-up Gulf Coast was no threat as the field entered the stretch, and Miss Brazil was hand-ridden to the wire.
Miss Brazil cruises to victory in the 2021 Ruthless S. at Aqueduct – NYRA photo
“She’s been very good in all three of her races,” trainer Tony Dutrow said. “Both her maiden win and today shows plenty. She’s always promised to be a nicer kind of filly, so getting her ready for this race was easy. She’s a better kind of horse, and she does it all.”
“I’m feeling good about her at one mile at Aqueduct in the Busher,” Dutrow added. “I feel that won’t be an issue for her. As far as two turns goes and her future after that, we’ll have to wait and see how she does in the Busher.”
Miss Brazil is now 2-0-1 in three starts and has earned $108,600 for owner Team D, who purchased her for $170,000 at the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling sale. She was bred in Kentucky by Haymarket Farm; out of the Forestry mare Baytree, also the dam of Grade 2-placed and $409,233 earner Hammers Vision,and black type-placed First Goal.
Palace Malice has gotten off to an excellent start in 2021. With 15 winners accounting for an equal number of wins, he is tied for the top spot on the Third-Crop sire list in both categories.
