My Miss Aurelia wins comeback race

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Saratoga Springs. NY (Sports Network) - Champion filly My Miss Aurelia overcame a poor start to win her 2012 debut at Saratoga Race Course. The three-year-old filly was making her first start since November.

Ridden by Julien Leparoux, My Miss Aurelia stumbled at the start of the 6 1/2 furlong $100,000 Mandys Gold Stakes. Leparoux kept his mount relaxed and allowed Srumdiddlyumptious to set the pace while the 1-4 favorite was last in the five horse field.

My Miss Aurelia, trained by Steve Asmussen, began her rally entering the far turn and joined the leaders from the outside on the final turn. The favorite took the lead entering the stretch and went on to post a three length victory over Delightful Quality.

Finishing third was Well Kept followed by Srumdiddlyumptious and Xunlei. The original seven horse field was reduced with the scratches of Ageless and Ullapool.

My Miss Aurelia stopped the timer at 1:15.90 on a fast track.

Owned by Stonestreet Stables and George Bolton, My Miss Aurelia remains undefeated in five career starts, including last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Winning the Mandys Gold Stakes was worth $60,000 to boost the filly's earnings to $1,440,000.

My Miss Aurelia was unable to race until this week because of a shin injury. She spent the winter in Ocala, Fla. and was sent to train at Churchill Downs on June 9. She had a final workout on Sunday in preparation for her 2012 debut.

After breaking her maiden at Saratoga on July 22 of last year, My Miss Aurelia reeled off wins in the Adirondack and Frizette at Belmont Park leading to her Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies victory at Churchill Downs. She was voted 2011 champion two-year-old filly.

My Miss Aurelia returned $2.50, $2.10 and $2.10. Delightful Quality paid $3.00 and $2.40, and Well Kept paid $3.00 to show.