Habaya looking to rebound in Appalachian

HABAYA (Storm Cat), who stamped herself as one of the better juvenile turf

fillies last season with a victory in the Miesque S. (G3) at Hollywood Park,

will attempt to climb her way back near the top in Thursday's $100,000

Appalachian S. (G3) at Keeneland following a mediocre seasonal debut in the

February 15 Coconut Grove S. at Gulfstream. The one-mile turf event attracted a

field of 12 three-year-old fillies including two also-eligibles.

Habaya, a daughter of 2002 champion turf mare Golden Apples (Ire) (Pivotal),

captured her debut at Belmont last September, then came to Keeneland where she

was second to subsequent Grade 1 winner Laragh (Tapit) in the grassy Jessamine

S. Bypassing the inaugural Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, Habaya next

claimed the Miesque by a rallying three parts of a length, overcoming a slow

pace. Habaya returned to the racing wars in the Coconut Grove two months ago

and, after tracking closer to the pace than usual, weakened through the lane to

finish eighth in a field of 11.

Alan Garcia will replace regular pilot Richard Migliore aboard the

Shadwell-owned and Kiaran McLaughlin-trained filly. McLaughlin trained the

Shadwell colorbearer Alwajeeha to win the 2008 Appalachian as well as the Queen

Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1).

APRIL PRIDE (GB) (Falbrav [Ire]), a two-length winner of the China Doll S. at

Santa Anita last month, enters at the top of her game and will be ridden by

David Flores. Already a veteran of 11 races, the bay's China Doll win came at

the expense of Acting Lady (Theatrical [Ire]), who came back to take the April 4

Providencia S. (G2).

OBSEQUIOUS (Fusaichi Pegasus) remains winless in four turf starts, but has

been in the money in her last three attempts on the surface. She was third, 2

1/2 lengths behind Gozzip Girl (Dynaformer), in the Coconut Grove, then was a

half-length second to the same rival in the Herecomesthebride S. (G3). Gozzip

Girl later was a fast-closing second in the Ashland S. (G1).

Making her sophomore debut is ABBOTT HALL (El Corredor), who captured the

Happy Ticket S. last season but was a non-threatening fourth in the Jessamine.

She later rebounded to finish a close third in the Caressing H. over the Matt

Winn turf at Churchill Downs. HOT CHA CHA (Cactus Ridge) makes her turf debut

with a three-for-five record on Polytrack to her credit, including a six-length

romp in the Bourbonette Oaks (G3) last time. Also trying the weeds for the first

time is SIMPLIFY (Pulpit), who finished a head behind Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia

d'Oro) in the Debutante S. (G3) early in her juvenile season.

OUR DAHLIA (Belong to Me) and MORE OF THE BEST

(Langfuhr) have each demonstrated prowess on the turf as has FAST TIGRESS (Hold

That Tiger), who earned minor checks in the Coconut Grove and Herecomesthebride.