Kimari gets the nod in Prioress Stakes

Nine 3-year-old fillies will dash 6 furlongs in Saturday’s $200,000 Prioress (G2) at Saratoga.

Prioress Analysis

The speed will come from the outer portion of the field from #5 Frank’s Rockette, #6 Hello Beautiful, and #8 Puurrfectly Claire. I envision an early tempo that will be on the swift side, giving a chance for the contenders coming from off the pace.

Prioress Contenders

#1 KIMARI (2-1) -- Classy Munnings filly has run well on any surface and at any venue in preparation of her Saratoga debut. Ward pupil was an excellent second in the Commonwealth Cup (G1) at Royal Ascot most recently, and her pair of dirt races to date have been superb, as well. Kentucky-bred bay can run from on or off the pace, and she is training in rapid fashion in advance of Saturday. Irad will be in the controls.

#2 UP IN SMOKE (10-1) -- Stakes winner from the Weaver barn is a one-run closer who earned a Grade 1 placing when third in the Test (G1) on the course last time out. Daughter of The Big Beast will need a collapse to pass each filly in this field, but she could make her presence felt late if the fractions are rapid. Luis Saez retains the mount.

#3 SOUND MACHINE (15-1) -- $500,000 daughter of Into Mischief has been first or second in four of five coming in, with the latter trio coming in the stakes ranks. Joseph trainee shows a pair of very good morning drills on the oval most recently, and I think she is poised for a big effort at a square price on Saturday. Stalker picks up Eric Cancel for the ride.

#4 SECONDARY MARKET (12-1) -- First of two Chad Brown trainees is another daughter of Into Mischief who could add value to the gimmicks. A two-time winner from three career tries, the bay makes her second appearance off the long absence and has room for improvement with Jose Ortiz picking up the mount.

#5 FRANK’S ROCKETTE (5-2) -- Fleet Mott trainee is Grade 1 placed on the course and comes in off of a game tally in the Victory Ride (G3) at Belmont. High-quality miss has been first or second in each of her eight lifetime appearances, and she is overdue for a breakthrough at the graded stakes level. Junior Alvarado will take the reins.

#6 HELLO BEAUTIFUL (10-1) -- Two-time stakes heroine has an abundance of gate speed, but she was dusted at Ellis Park most recently and faces a tougher task in the Prioress. Golden Lad filly has quality to her but she would be a surprise on Saturday.

#7 CENTER AISLE (4-1) -- Second from the Brown shedrow finished a close third in the Victory Ride and adds blinkers for her fourth lifetime start. $1.5 million Into Mischief sophomore has displayed a nice turn of foot in each try to date, and if she is in range turning for home with the equipment change, the bay will be dangerous for sure in her Spa debut. Joel Rosario stays in the silks.

#8 PURRFECTLY CLAIRE (30-1) -- Outsider was a solid allowance winner at Indiana Grand in her latest affair, but she faces an infinitely more difficult task in the Prioress. I can’t endorse the chestnut.

#9 REAGAN’S EDGE (8-1) -- Dangerous contender was an excellent second all the way around the oval in the Victory Ride and can surely be a presence inside the final furlong with a step forward for DeVaux. Competitive Edge filly is lightly raced with room for growth, and drawing outside will keep her out of trouble, too. Jose Lezcano will ride the chestnut once again.

Prioress Wagers

• $1 Superfecta: 1 with 3,5,9 with 3,4,5,9 with all ($54)