The Kenny McPeek-trained daughter of Global campaign impressively won the local one-mile track preparation on November 6, the Tempted Stakes. After a slight stutter, Shilling moved forward under Christopher Elliott as they entered the backstretch to take command from the favorite Secaan . Faced with that rival on the three-eighths pole, she responded and cruised to a four-length victory.
McPeek told New York Racing Association publicists that he believes the filly’s speed has played a “huge factor” in her two career wins.
“This should be a good place for her as long as she can handle the extra distance,” McPeek said. “We’ve been more than happy with her last two runs and I think Jimmy (Jerkens, assistant) has her locked down for this one as well.”
The 1 1/8 mile is a question for all six runners, and one that connections are eager to have answered as the race provides qualifying points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks on a scale of 10-5-3-2-1. That important goal for 3-year-old fillies will be carried out on May 1 at the same distance.
One of Shilling’s early competitors could come from the shed of Repole Stable and Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher. Zaan a daughter of Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh flashed her early speed in a debut win from 6 1/2 furlongs Gulfstream Park November 2, winning by 6 1/2 lengths. Irad Ortiz Jr. will be in town to take over.
If her speed does not lead to victory, it could help her stablemate, Credible who closed from last to finish second behind Shilling in the Tempted. On Saturday the Curl filly gets changes in the form of added blinkers and Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez in the irons.
Klaravich Stables’ Simultaneously another American Pharoah filly, is the only contender in the field to have raced more than a mile after running 1 1/16 miles on grass when placing sixth in her debut. Over her three starts (the last two at a mile on dirt), the Chad Brown trainee has learned to race closer to the pace and took her first win by a half-length on November 2. On her second start she was beaten by Believable.
At the same time, her girl breaks at Aqueduct Racetrack
Brown is confident the extra distance will work for her.
“I’m very happy with how she has developed here at Belmont,” Brown told NYRA publicity. “I put her career on the wrong foot by putting her in a grass race, but once we put her on the dirt and let her develop that route, she’s done well. It was a hard-fought win last time and I think she’s looking for a mile-and-eighth on the dirt. The journey should suit her.”
Shipping from Delaware Park is Imaginary Stables’ Jumping the gun for trainer Andrew Simoff. The most experienced runner in the field, the Rifle runner filly won a few stakes at her home track over the summer and most recently finished second on her first attempt at a mile in the White Clay Creek Stakes on October 11.
Lucky Hat Racing’s is also present in the field Ivy girl for Amelia Green, who takes a first win at the $40,000 claim level.
Submissions: Mrs S. (G2)
Aqueduct Racetrack, Saturday December 6, 2025, Race 3
- Grade II
- 1 1/8m
- Filthy
- $250,000
- 2 year old mares
- 12:17 pm (local)
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