FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2014
Overprepared diligent in Busanda
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Capitalizing on a redrawn field for the 42nd running of the $100,00 Busanda Stakes initially scheduled for last week Saturday, late entrant Overprepared comfortably won by 1 ¼-lengths under a bustling ride by jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. to pick up her first stakes victory.
Making just her third career start, and first since a third-place finish in the Smart Halo Stakes on November 15 at Laurel Park, the post-time favorite Overprepared broke alertly from the gate.
"She broke well and took the lead, where she seemed comfortable with her ears perked," said Byron Hughes, assistant trainer to Todd Pletcher.
Setting modest fractions of 24.81 seconds through the first quarter-mile and 50.24 for the half, Overprepared continued a half-length ahead of second choice Been Here Before and Liberty Island who remained in stalking position.
As the field of 3-year-old fillies approached the eighth pole, Overprepared once again dug in diligently in the stretch to remain challenged to the wire.
"I had a perfect trip," said Ortiz. "My filly broke good and settled for me, and when I asked her, I had a lot of horse."
Overprepared returned $4.20 on a $2 wager, completing the 1 Mile and 70 yards in 1:44.69. Her career earnings now stand at $115,000 for owner Mike Repole.
Liberty Island, stalking the pace for most of the way, came on with a mild kick in the stretch to pass Been Here Before and finish second.
Rudy Rodriguez-trained Diannestillworks, who moved up three wide at the quarter pole to be in brief contention, weakened to finish third, followed by Sweet On Smokey, Stolen Victory, North Eight Street, Been Here Before, Hopefaithjoy, and Bonnet Plume.
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