Elle Z Fights Back to Edge Change of Control — City Zip mare scores her fourth local stakes score in a thriller
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Kevin Kilroy
Notes Writer/Media Relations
[email protected]
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.”
-30-
About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, one of the nation’s oldest racetracks, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, LA, Fair Grounds, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 15 off-track betting parlors throughout Southeast Louisiana. The 150th Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 109th running of the Louisiana Derby – will run from November 25, 2021 through March 27, 2022. More information is available online at www.fairgroundsracecourse.com.
