Heavenly Prize for older fillies and mares on Saturday at Aqueduct

By NY Hot List staff | Friday, February 9, 2024

The $150,000, one mile Heavenly Prize Invitational at Aqueduct on Saturday drew a field of eight older fillies and mares. Stand Up Jessie, who ships up from Maryland, is the 8-5 morning line favorite for leading trainer Brittany Russell and owner Michael Ryan.

Stand Up Jessie began her career in California racing primarily on the turf, got claimed by Ryan for $20,000, and was sent east.

“Her PPs were terrible but I believed she was better than what her race record read,” said Ryan. “Brittany has done a fantastic job with the filly and she’s run some good numbers on the Ragozin. She’s a pretty solid filly.”

Since the claim, Stand Up Jessie has four wins and earnings of more than $150,000.

The $150,000 Heavenly Prize at Aqueduct, Saturday, Race 9, 3:55 pm EST.

(7) Saddle Up Jessie was first or second in her last four starts. She won the Carousel at Laurel Park in December and then missed by neck after having the lead in the Ladies at Aqueduct. The winner of that race came back to win again. (3) Portage comes back on six days of rest after running third in an allowance following a four month layoff. (2) Pretti Xtreme was a winner in a $32,000 claimer and got taken. (5) Into Happiness won three races in a row last year and was third in the Pumpkin Pie at Aqueduct in November.

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