Highway Star makes return in G3 Go For Wand

by Najja Thompson

Set to make her first start since finishing 11th in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, Chester & Mary Broman's homebred and multiple graded stakes winner Highway Star will look to rebound in a competitive field of six in the Grade 3, $200,000 Go For Wand Handicap for fillies and mares 3-years-old at a mile on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack.

One of four stakes races on the day, highlighted by the Grade 1, $750,000 Cigar Mile for 3-year-olds, the 78th running of the Go For Wand will join an undercard that includes the Grade 2, $250,000 Remsen for juveniles and the Grade 2, $250,000 Demoiselle for juvenile fillies.

Coverage and analysis of the Grade 1 Cigar Mile, will be televised on Aqueduct Live nationally on Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET) on FOX Sports 2 (FS2) with regional coverage in the tri-state area provided by MSG+.

A 4-year-old daughter of Girolamo, the Rodrigo Ubillo trainee has three wins from seven starts this year with victories in the Grade 3 Distaff at Aqueduct on April 9, the Grade 2 Ruffian at Belmont on May 13 and the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom last September. With a perfect 3-for-3 record at the Big A and a flawless 4-for-4 at the distance, Ubillio is looking for a strong showing coming off her subpar effort in the Breeders' Cup.

"She came out of her Breeders' Cup race fine," said Ubillio. "We were a little bit closer to the pace than she wanted. I don't think that trip suited her style at all, but we're looking to regroup and move forward. I've always thought a mile was her best distance. We'll see how the trip works out, but we know she likes Aqueduct and is doing well, so we're optimistic."

Drawing post 2, Highway Star will carry a highweight of 123 pounds and will be ridden by Angel Arroyo.

Entering for owner Charles Fipke and trainer Barclay Tagg is Verve's Tale. The 4-year-old Tale of Ekati-filly has one win from seven starts but most recently ran a huge effort before being caught at the wire in the Grade 3 Turnback the Alarm on October 28 at Belmont.

"She's coming into the race in great shape," said Tagg. "She's a very dependable filly. Last time, I thought the jockey moved too soon around the turn and we got caught at the wire. This time we'll have Johnny Velazquez aboard, so as long he looks at the past performances and studies up I think we'll be in good shape."

With Hall of Famer John Velazquez in the irons, the pair will leave from post 5.

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin will enter Indulgent for Godolphin Racing. The 4-year-old Bernardini filly most recently finished second in the Pumpkin Pie. Stretching out to a mile for the second time in her career since running fifth in the Grade 2 Ruffian last May at Belmont.

"We always thought she wants a mile because of her pedigree," said McLaughlin. "We tried it once and it didn't work out, but we're giving it another try. She's training well and we hope she can get lucky and win one, because she's been second in a graded stakes [Grade 3 Distaff] and now just needs to get a win. She seems to like Aqueduct, so we'll keep our fingers crossed."

With Luis Saez aboard, the pair will depart from post 7.

Rounding out the field are a pair for trainer Chad Brown with Jamyson 'n Ginger for Juddmonte Farms, and Going For Broke for Waterford Stable. Flora Dora for trainer Marialice Coffey and Coffee Pot Stables drew post 6.

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Highway Star makes return in G3 Go For Wand

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