I’m a Chatterbox, Paid Up Subscriber meet in Delaware Handicap

I’m a Chatterbox and Paid Up Subscriber will enter Saturday’s $750,000 Delaware H. (G1) off convincing wins, with the former posting an 8 ¼-length romp in the June 11 Obeah at Delaware Park and the latter scoring by three lengths in the June 18 Fleur des Lis (G2) at Churchill Downs. The 4-year-old fillies head a field of six distaffers in the 1 ¼-mile race.

Runner-up in the Eclipse Award voting for champion 3-year-old filly, I’m a Chatterbox recorded four stakes victories last season, including the Cotillion (G1), and was controversially disqualified after finishing first in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1). The Munnings filly opened 2016 with a disappointing runner-up as the odds-on choice in the Doubledogdare (G3) at Keeneland but rebounded nicely last time for trainer Larry Jones, registering a career-best 100 BRIS Speed rating.

Florent Geroux will be in for the mount and I’m a Chatterbox is listed as the 6-5 favorite on the morning line.

Paid Up Subscriber brings a two-race win skein into the race for Al Stall Jr. By Candy Ride and out of a Street Cry mare, the chestnut is bred for longer distances but didn’t make her first start at two turns until last time, rallying from just off the pace to win going away at 1 1/8 miles in her eight career outing. The in-form miss will retain the services of Ricardo Santana Jr. and Paid Up Subscriber is the early 2-1 second choice.

Grade 2 queen Penworth is listed at 9-2 for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The 5-year-old will try to turn things around after weakening to sixth against a salty La Troienne (G1) field on the Kentucky Oaks (G1) undercard and the Bernardini mare figures to be forwardly-placed with Joel Rosario.

Todd Pletcher invades with multiple stakes winner Mei Ling, who adds blinkers following a runner-up in the 1 ½-mile Rags to Riches at Belmont Park. A close second in the Top Flight (G3) earlier this season, the 5-year-old daughter of Empire Maker will have Jose Ortiz up and has been installed at 5-1.

Milaya and Money’soncharlotte, a pair of 15-1 outsiders, complete the field.

One race later on the program, eight 3-year-olds will contest the $200,000 Kent (G3) at 1 1/8 miles on turf. Chad Brown, who is on the verge of his first Belmont Park training title, will be represented by Grade 3 winner Converge. Hall of Famers Shug McGaughey and Bill Mott will send out Inspector Lynley and Mighty Mo, respectively.

I’m a Chatterbox photo courtesy of Barbara Weidl/Equi-Photo