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Chris Grove
Photo Credit: Jim McCue/MJC
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BALTIMORE, 05-20-10---Pimlico’s spring meeting comes to a dramatic conclusion with Saturday’s feature, the $50,000 Shine Again Stakes which headlines a 10-race card that includes five turf races.
Heaven’s Voice (9-5), Holiday Girl (2-1) and American Victory (2-1) should battle for favoritism in the 1-1/16th mile Shine Again. Hannah’s Dowery (8-1) and Katrinarita (15-1) complete the field.
Chris Grove teams up with J.D. Acosta and saddles Heaven’s Voice. The Lion Hearted filly stretches out from a victory at 4-1/2 furlongs on May 2 and breaks from the rail. In three starts this year she’s finished second in the Correction and fifth in the Wheel Turns Stakes, both at Aqueduct and last time out won by 6-1/2 lengths in an optional claimer at Charles Town.
“She came out of that last race in good shape,” said Grove, who also conditions Hannah’s Dowery. “I think she’ll break sharp and will be in front but I don’t think she’ll try to run off. J.D. is going to have free reign to do what he wants with her.”
Julian Pimentel rides Holiday Girl, a Steve Klesaris-trainee with four seconds in her last five starts at Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park and Woodbine. This is her first start at Pimlico and first on the main track since late last year for the daughter of Harlan’s Holiday.
American Victory should get a stalking trip under Travis Dunkelberger for trainer Rodney Jenkins. Twice a winner in five starts, she prepped for this race with a rallying fifth around two turns on the Pimlico turf course on May 9.
Fan Appreciation Day will be celebrated on Saturday too, with free admission, free live programs and the chance for prizes in the Summer Sweepstakes.
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