Katniss was purchased as a 2013 Harrisburg yearling
for $260,000
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (March
4, 2015) – She’s named for the
heroine in The Hunger Games, yet the racing career of Katniss has taken
a bit longer than was hoped to live up to its lofty expectations.
With a price tag of $260,000,
Katniss was the most expensive trotting filly to sell at the 2013 Harrisburg
yearling sale. She was picked out by trainer Francisco Del Cid and purchased by
owner Mario Mazza.
Friday, March 6, Katniss
makes her long-awaited debut in the first race at the Meadowlands. The
3-year-old Credit Winner filly is a full-sister to $1.1 million stakes winner
Dejarmbro and her dam, Armbro Déjà Vu, is a half-sister to millionaire world
champion Manofmanymissions.
“She suffered a soft tissue
injury on the back of her front left leg last year when she reared up over a
stall gate,” said trainer Julie Miller, who has taken over training of the
filly. “The owner gave her plenty of time to recover and it’s not bothering her
now. Hopefully she turns into a nice New York Sire Stakes filly or even more of
a stakes horse, especially with that pedigree.”
Katniss enters Friday’s race
off a pair of qualifiers, drew post nine and will be driven by Andy Miller.
She’s listed at 3/1 on the morning line.
“We’re hoping she has a good
positive experience racing for the first time,” said her trainer. “Hopefully
she passes a few horses down the stretch and finishes well.”
Friday’s 13-race card at the
Meadowlands is headlined by a $27,500 Open Handicap Trot. The field of eight is
led by the coupled entry of Lindy’s Tru Grit and Master of Law.
Lindy’s Tru Grit scored a
narrow victory over Master of Law two weeks ago in their last starts.
“[Lindy’s Tru Grit] was
staked lightly this year,” continued Miller, who also trains Lindy’s Tru Grit.
“He’s not the best trainer but he sure shows up to race. He’s best tracking
horses and utilizing that Meadowlands slingshot move.”
Friday’s program also
features two large carryovers in the Jackpot Super High 5. The fifth race
carryover is now $41,316 and the thirteenth race carryover is $148,525.
