Audrey's Time Aiming For Baird Doubledogdare Shocker

Trainer Neil Pessin believes he has found the right level of competition for Lothenbach Stables’ Audrey’s Time. 

“I think she is a Grade 3/non-graded stakes filly,” Pessin said of the Keeneland sales graduate, one of six fillies and mares entered in Friday’s 27^th running of the $300,000 Baird Doubledogdare (G3) going a mile and sixteenth on the main track. “But there always seems to be one or two in there that she can’t beat. She is just a cut below that kind.” 

In her most recent start, Audrey’s Time chased Grade 1 winner Clairiere in an allowance race at Fair Grounds. On Friday, she will take on Eclipse Award winner Malathaat, who will be making her 4-year-old debut. 

“That’s one right there,” Pessin said of Malathaat. “I think she will be fully cranked (for her debut).” 

Also in the Baird Doubledogdare field is defending champion Bonny South, who finished second and 3½ lengths in front of Audrey’s Time when they met in the Falls City (G2) last November. 

“This is her home base, and you’ve got to run somewhere,” said Pessin of Audrey’s Time, who will break from post three under Corey Lanerie. “I have no delusions of grandeur, and I will be the most surprised person in the Grandstand if she wins.”