SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — G U Racing Stable’s multiple stakes-winner Twirling Queen brings a three-race win streak into Friday’s Listed $150,000 Coronation Cup, a 5 1/2-furlong Mellon turf sprint for sophomore fillies, at Saratoga Race Course.
The Twirling Candy bay is a perfect 3-for-3 this year since joining the barn of trainer Jose D’Angelo. Twirling Queen won twice this winter sprinting five furlongs over the Gulfstream Park synthetic with Luis Saez aboard, taking an optional-claimer in February and an off-the-turf renewal of the Melody of Colors in March with prominent trips. Twirling Queen [post 5, Luis Saez, 122 pounds] enters from a stalking three-quarter-length win in her turf debut in the 5 1/2-furlong Listed Mamzelle on May 11 at Churchill Downs, where she bested returning rivals and next-out winners Toupie and Cloudwalker.
With Francisco Arrieta up in the Mamzelle, Twirling Queen broke alertly but took back off a pace duel between Hot Beach and Imaboutago and maneuvered into an outside stalking position. She advanced through the turn and took command from Hot Beach at the furlong grounds before staving off the strong finish of Toupie, who was a half-length better than the rallying Cloudwalker. D’Angelo said the Mamzelle effort confirmed that Twirling Queen doesn’t need the lead to win.
“For the race at Gulfstream [Melody of Colors], I spoke to Luis [Saez] on the morning of the race and said to him, ‘the filly is ready to win, no matter what get the .
