The outstanding filly of yesteryear, Thornbird, will be honoured tomorrow (Saturday, April 9) when the Graded Stakes race named in her honour is down for competition.

Ten native-bred three-year-old fillies meet over 7 furlongs (1,400m) in the Thornbird Stakes, which is one of the major prep races on the “Road to the Triple Crown”.

The following is an analysis of the 10 runners in post-position order.

1. MAMMA MIA: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Princess Geeta) – One of the leading contenders heading into the Classic series of races, especially among the fillies. Mamma Mia made a successful three-year-old debut on Ash Wednesday (February 22, 2023), making all the running in a dominating effort to win a three-year-old and upwards (non-winners of three) call going six and a half furlongs (1,300m). Mamma Mia won by 5½ lengths ahead of stablemates Fred The Great and Tekapunt in a time of 1:20.4 (23.4 x 47.1 x 1:13.0). Based on that effort, Mamma Mia should prove a tough contender here, and given her spins at exercise, she is fit and ready to get rolling.

2. BOOTYLICIOUS: (3 b f by Key To Power – Keep The Faith) – Another runner who is expected to be among the top fillies preparing for the Classic series of races. Bootylicious made an outstanding debut on November 5, 2022, winning by 15 lengths over 5 1/2 furlongs (1,100 m) in 1:06.2. That run got tongues wagging as the expectation of a competitive two-year-old season was on the horizon. However, Bootylicious missed the remaining part of that season, making her re-entry on February 18, 2023, which was widely anticipated as racing fans wanted to see how much progress the Ian Parsard trainee had made. Bootylicious didn’t disappoint as she remained unbeaten after a fighting win in a native-bred three-year-old (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-olds and upwards (maiden) over six furlongs (1,200m). Her final time of 1:14.1 wasn’t all that, but the manner in which she won the race, suggests that a cracking race in the Thornbird Stakes is on the card.

3. THALITA: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Luminous Trieste) – Came to the races with a big reputation but didn’t carry through on the hype. Thalita has won twice from six starts, and based on her last three runs, which were dismal efforts, she cannot be recommended for a winning Thornbird.

4. LEGIT BOSS: (3 b f by Casual Trick – Bilingual) – Got herself on the Classic train following her upset win in the Pick3 Super Challenge Trophy (7 furlongs) last year and a dead-heat effort with Mamma Mia for second place in the one-mile (1,600m) Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes. With that, Legit Boss was expected to win on her seasonal debut, but she finished third on March 4 over 5 ½ furlongs. With more real estate here, Legit Boss is going to be on the premises when this race hits the finishing line.

5. ACKNOWLEDGEME: (3 b f by Key To Power – Gentle Officer) – Has no chance of winning this one.

6. ALL FOR LOVE: (3 ch f by Nuclear Wayne – Princess Sallema) – Has one win to her name from seven starts. All For Love is going to love his galloping distance and is expected to go home with a share of the spoils as purses will be paid out to the top six finishers.

7. BOASEY: (3 b f by Casual Trick – The Golden One) – Based on his current form, Boasey is not expected to do well here. Note, Boasey races with the visor off.

8. SPEEDIE HARE: (3 b f by Conquest Cherimash – Honeymoon Bay) – Is going to be left behind. Note, Speedie Hare races with the Figure-8 off.

9. ROYAL ASH: (3 rn f by Fearless Vision – Greek Goddess) – Made her seasonal debut in the recent Hotline Stakes, finishing second behind Durocell in the 6-furlong (1,200m) event. Royal Ash is going to appreciate this distance and is a live threat.

10. SAVVY GIRL: (3 b f by Savoy Stomp – Runallday) – Will be hard-pressed to land a blow here.