Big Mcdeal, a two-year-old daughter of Mcardle-Ideal Gal, was a $70,000 purchase at the 2010 Lexington Yearling Sale in 2010 and she has proved to be worth every penny at this stage for owner/trainer Jack Darling

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With a pair of qualifiers under her belt, Big Mcdeal then finished a strong third in her first lifetime start with her own mile timed in 1:54.2 with a :26.4 final quarter. On Friday, the bay will leave from post nine in the single $20,000 elimination of the Whenuwishuponastar Stakes.

“She’s trained good right from day one,” Darling said. “She’s been a top filly for me all winter and she hasn’t disappointed me yet.”

Although finishing third in her first pari-mutuel debut, Darling wasn’t too disappointed by his filly's performance.

“She got locked in pretty much the whole mile,” he said. “They went slow fractions and Jody (Driver Jody Jamieson) didn’t want to be first-over with her, but she raced well and came home strong.”

Despite the outside post, Darling is confident in his charge and offers a large comparison.

“It’s always tough for a young filly to win from post nine so early in their career, but she’s all class. She reminds me of Ticket To Rock (1:51 - $877,196). They both have class, presence and both are 'push-buttons' to drive. She (Big Mcdeal) is paid into all the big races. I know has the speed, but time will tell if she can become a top filly.”

Darling, who has trained winners of over $14 million, recalls the first time he set eyes on his promising filly.

“I looked at her at the Perretti Farms consignment last fall and I fell in love with her. She’s just a real nice filly that has very correct conformation.”

With a field of eleven, the elimination will begin in Race 5, with a scheduled post time of 8:30 p.m.

(WEG)

To view entries for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Entries – Mohawk Racetrack.