VA-BRED MANDY’S GOLD HONORED AT SARATOGA

Undefeated champion My Miss Aurelia made a triumphant return to the races last Wednesday afternoon at Saratoga Race Course, overcoming a stumbling start and going on to a three-length victory over Delightful Quality in the $100,000 Mandys Gold overnight stakes.

MY MISS AURELIA (AP Photo/New York Racing Association, Adam Coglianese)

Mandys Gold was bred by in Virginia by Audley Farm and named the M. Tyson Gilpin Virginia-bred Horse Of The Year in 2002.  The Gilded Time mare won over $1 million including the Gr. 1 Ruffian Handicap at Belmont Park.

MANDYS GOLD

Making her first start since winning the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies last, My Miss Aurelia spotted her five thre-year-old rivals a couple of lengths after bobbling at the start, but quickly made up ground as they traveled down the backstretch. Asked for run on the turn by jockey Julien Leparoux, the bay Smart Strike filly powered to the fore at the head of the lane and drew clear without being urged.