The American Graded Stakes Committee announced Aug. 14 that because of a date change of the Princess Rooney Invitational Stakes, the race will see its status changed from grade 2 to grade 3.
The AGSC reviews the status of graded stakes races that see changes involving eligibility, track location, purse, or calendar changes of 30 or more days. The $200,000 Princess Rooney is a seven-furlong race that previously had been conducted in late June or early July. This year its race date has been moved to Oct. 7.
The AGSC expressed concern that with the new calendar date the Princess Rooney will have a difficult time attracting a grade 2-level field because other filly and mare sprints that carry graded stakes status also will be offered on or close to that Oct. 7 date.
Other graded stakes sprints for fillies and mares close to that date include the Chillingworth Stakes (G3) Sept. 29 at Santa Anita Park, the Gallant Bloom Stakes (G2) Sept. 30 at the Belmont at the Big A meeting, and the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (G2) Oct. 7 at Keeneland.
The Princess Rooney is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge race that awards a “Win & You’re In” start in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) Nov. 4 at Santa Anita.
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