With a price tag of $260,000, Katniss – named for the heroine in the film ‘The Hunger Games,’ played by Jennifer Lawrence – was the most expensive trotting filly to sell at the 2013 Harrisburg yearling sale. Her high price tag has brought lofty expectations from some, and she is now scheduled to make her pari-mutuel debut.
On Friday, March 6 at the Meadowlands Racetrack, Katniss will make her long-awaited debut in the first race at the East Rutherford, NJ oval.
The three-year-old Credit Winner filly is a full-sister to $1.1-million stakes winner Dejarmbro, and her dam, Armbro Déjà Vu, is a half-sister to millionaire world champion Manofmanymissions.
Katniss was picked out by trainer Francisco Del Cid and purchased by owner Mario Mazza.
“She suffered a soft tissue injury on the back of her front left leg last year when she reared up over a stall gate,” said trainer Julie Miller, who has taken over conditioning of the filly. “The owner gave her plenty of time to recover and it’s not bothering her now. Hopefully she turns into a nice New York Sire Stakes filly or even more of a stakes horse, especially with that pedigree.”
Katniss enters Friday’s race off a pair of qualifiers. She has drawn Post 9 and will be driven by Andy Miller. She’s listed at 3-1 on the morning line.
“We’re hoping she has a good, positive experience racing for the first time,” said her trainer. “Hopefully she passes a few horses down the stretch and finishes well.”
Friday’s 13-race card at the Meadowlands is headlined by a $27,500 Open Handicap Trot. The field of eight is led by the coupled entry of Lindys Tru Grit and Master Of Law.
Lindys Tru Grit scored a narrow victory over Master Of Law two weeks ago in their last starts.
“[Lindys Tru Grit] was staked lightly this year,” continued Miller, who also trains Lindys Tru Grit. “He’s not the best trainer but he sure shows up to race. He’s best tracking horses and utilizing that Meadowlands slingshot move.”
Friday’s program also features two large carryovers in the Jackpot Super High 5. The fifth race carryover is now $41,316 and the thirteenth race carryover is $148,525.
(With files from the Meadowlands)