I’m a Chatterbox romps in Spinster
October 10th, 2016
But two races back the four-year-old chestnut found herself embroiled in a minor controversy.
That was because I’m a Chatterbox took a left-hand turn exiting the gate in the Delaware Handicap (G1) and took out her three inside rivals, including Paid Up Subscriber, who stumbled badly. Though she would go on to win by 2 1/4 lengths, some felt the Larry Jones pupil should have been disqualified for the infraction.
I’m a Chatterbox and Paid Up Subscriber met again in the Persona Ensign Stakes (G1) on August 27 at Saratoga, with the former setting the pace before fading to fourth in the stretch. She was still two lengths up her rival at the wire, and merely emphasized her talent when collaring and then running away from Paid Up Subscriber in the Spinster on Sunday.
I’m a Chatterbox pressed the pace set by Paid Up Subscriber through splits of :23.98, :48.30 and 1:12.57. The Kentucky-bred miss easily grabbed command in the lane and pulled off to finish nine furlongs on Keeneland’s fast dirt in 1:49.98 as the 2-5 favorite under Florent Geroux.
Paid Up Subscriber was game in defeat, five lengths clear of Genre, who in turn finished 3 3/4 lengths in front of Engaginglee.
Miss Pink Diva was pulled up in the first turn and vanned off. Unfortunately, reports citing on-call veterinarian Dr. Scott Hopper said the four-year-old gray suffered a catastrophic left hind fetlock injury and was humanely euthanized.
I’m a Chatterbox is now 16-8-3-2 in her career and has banked $2,209,614 lifetime. In addition to this one and the Delaware ‘Cap, the Munnings filly also shows a win in the 2015 Cotillion Stakes (G1) as well as placings in last year’s Kentucky Oaks (G1), Alabama Stakes (G1) and Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), the latter of which she won by a nose before being disqualified to second.
I’m a Chatterbox is out of the multiple stakes-placed Lost Soldier mare Chit Chatter, making her a half-sister to the stakes-placed duo of Pegasus Again and Lady Bear.
I’m a Chatterbox photo courtesy of Keeneland/Coady Photography
SPINSTER QUOTES
Larry Jones, trainer I’m a Chatterbox, winner
“She ran really big. When it came time to run, she really exploded down the lane very nice. It seems like her numbers are getting better after every race, so I think she’s at the peak right now. We hopefully have room for improvement.”
On facing a strong field in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) on November 4 at Santa Anita
“I think this may be the deepest Distaff that I have seen in a long time. There’s seven really good horses. I’m putting her right there with them.”
Florent Geroux, jockey I’m a Chatterbox, winner
“She broke very sharply today, which sometimes can be an issue with her. Sometimes she can break a little step slow or flat-footed. Today she broke very sharp, which allowed us to take a great position, where I wanted to be. She was nice and relaxed. When I asked her to go down the lane, she gave me a very nice kick. I was like, ‘Wow. They’re going to have to go fast to catch me.’”
Jose Ortiz, jockey Paid Up Subscriber, second
“Perfect trip. She broke well today. I felt going into the first turn that if I let Florent (on I’m a Chatterbox) go in front of me, he was going to slow down the pace too much. I didn't want that. She relaxed well for me on the front, but was just second best. That other filly, a lot of credit to her. She’s just a phenomenal horse.”
Javier Castellano, jockey Genre, third
“She was third best today. Those two first horses (pacesetter Paid Up Subscriber and I’m a Chatterbox) opened up on the rest of the field. My filly can run. Every time I asked her, she responded. I am very satisfied with third place in the race.”
Luis Saez, jockey Engaginglee, fourth
“No excuse. When we turned for home, the others took off.”
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