Elle Z Fights Back to Edge Change of Control — City Zip mare scores her fourth local stakes score in a thriller

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Elle Z Fights Back to Edge Change of Control


City Zip mare scores her fourth local stakes score in a thriller
New Orleans (January 29, 2022) – In winning the inaugural running of the $75,000 Frederick P. Aime Memorial Stakes, M Bar O’ Elle Z proved she will not quit.

Trained by Chris Hartman and ridden by Mitchell Murrill, Elle Z got her head down over the last inch of the firm Stall Wilson turf course in 1:04.85. Winning the Aime made it three wins on the day for the Hartman/Murrill duo, putting both on the verge of hitting major milestones. At day’s end, Hartman has 1498 career wins and Mitchell Murrill sits at 996.

Even-money favorite Elle Z set early quarter-mile fractions of 23.23 and 47.00. Closer than usual early on, the 2.10-1 second choice and two-time graded stakes winner Change of Control pressed the pace from the outside. She put a neck in front in the upper stretch and a duel ensued as the front runner dug in, was asked, and tenaciously regained the advantage to win a close photo.

Brooke Marie finished third, 3 ¾ lengths behind the top pair. Elle Z rewarded her paid $4.00, $2.60, and $2.20. It was the second consecutive and fourth local stakes overall for Elle Z, who improved her record to 17-8-3-0 with purse earnings of $401,833.

AIME QUOTES

Mitchell Murrill, jockey of Elle Z (winner): “She’s such an awesome horse. She gives 110% every time. I was a little discouraged when Colby’s horse (Change of Control) got to me as quick as he did. But today she gave me more than 110%. Chris, his assistant, the whole barn–they take great care of their horses here and I couldn’t be more proud for us all. Most times I don’t have to hit her. Today when I was forced to, she responded and she got her head out in front. ”

Michelle Lovell, trainer of Change of Control (second): “Heck of a race. That was tough to take. That’s a nice filly (Elle Z) too, you know.”

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Elle Z with Mitchell Murrill at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots