While it may not have been a slam dunk, Hot Mess Express proved resolute under pressure to record a 1:48.3 win in the $174,400 Mistletoe Shalee for three-year-old pacing fillies at The Meadowlands on Saturday (July 17).

Blue Diamond Eyes took the early lead followed by Grace Hill and Hot Mess Express, who briefly settled in third before driver Andy McCarthy angled her out to take the lead and cut an opening quarter of :27.1.

Once in control, Hot Mess Express coasted to a :54.2 half, still chased by Blue Diamond Eyes and Grace Hill. Racing into the second turn, Dexter Dunn took to the outside from fourth with Fire Start Hanover to swiftly challenge the leader to three-quarters in 1:21.4. Fire Start Hanover was game, making Hot Mess Express work in deep stretch to take the mile by three-quarter lengths. Blue Diamond Eyes finished third, another 2-1/4 lengths behind.

Tony Alagna trains Hot Mess Express for owner Sam Bowie. She is now a perfect six-for-six this season after winning her last four starts at Harrah's Hoosier Park, including the Nadia Lobell on July 4.

"As far as this filly is concerned,” McCarthy said, “she was a dream filly. And to see what she did tonight was absolutely incredible. She can win on the front; she can come from off the pace ... but the thing I like tonight is [that] she put a step or two in and she was able to gather herself and go a mile in [1:]48 and a piece."

Hot Mess Express increased her earnings to $401,655 with the Mistletoe Shalee victory. She paid $2.40 to win.

(The Meadowlands)

The Mistletoe Shalee was part of a massive night of stakes at The Meadowlands. Full coverage is available in the Meadowlands Pace news centre.