Speedy Fillies Stretch Out in $75,000 China Doll Stakes

5/2 morning line favorite Curlin’s Fox is the most lightly raced filly in the field, and will try stakes company after a maiden-breaking debut at six and a half furlongs on February 1.  Trainer Carla Gaines connects at a 14% clip with runners moving from a sprint race to a route, and Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith retains the mount.  Curlin’s Fox has worked well for her first start against winners posting a five furlong move in 59.01 February 27 at Santa Anita – the second fastest of 138 works at the distance. 

Bobbi Grace looks for first stakes win 

The Irish-bred Bobbi Grace (3/1) has tried stakes company unsuccessfully three times since her U.S. debut in October, but appears to be finding her best form with a second place effort in the Sweet Life Stakes February 14 at Santa Anita.  She will stretch back out to a mile after two consecutive races sprinting down the hill.  Gary Stevens, who has been aboard for the filly’s last two starts stays aboard. 

Speedy filly could try to wire the field 

She’s a Big Winner (4/1) is another stretch-out sprinter who figures to be a major contender.  The Peter Eurton trainee has won her last two starts sprinting over the down-hill turf course including a gate-to-wire victory in the Sweet Life Stakes.  She projects as the main speed of the race under jockey Brice Blanc.