Message’s no longer a Secret in Pucker Up

Bet down to 6-1 from a 12-1 morning line, Secret Message was no secret going into Saturday’s $100,000 Pucker Up (G3), and she spread the word even more by driving to a first stakes victory in Arlington’s International Festival of Racing finale.

The Graham Motion trainee was coming off a troubled fourth in the June 16 Regret (G3) at Churchill Downs, where she flubbed the start and had a checkered passage down the lane. At Arlington, Secret Message broke in better order than last time, and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. took the overland route to cap a memorable 26th birthday. One race earlier, Ortiz guided Robert Bruce to Arlington Million (G1) glory, and Secret Message put the bow on a graded double.

Under patient handling, the Hat Trick filly was anchored in the penultimate spot in the 12-horse field, trailed only by Princess Warrior. Regret winner and 2-1 favorite Beyond Blame pressed 46-1 pacesetter In the Mood through splits of :23.76 and :48.54 before wresting control at the six-furlong mark in 1:33.22. But as soon as Beyond Blame put her head in front, she was challenged by Madame Milan and Cosmic Burst, and Pamina suddenly erupted in upper stretch.

Meanwhile, Secret Message had circled the field and emerged a threat. The long-striding filly had too much firepower for her rivals, clearing away by 1 1/4 lengths. After clocking 1 1/8 firm-turf miles in 1:50.01, she returned $14.40 to win.

Pamina was best of the rest from fast-finishing Princess Warrior. Next came Dark Artist, Beyond Blame, Madame Milan, Cosmic Burst, A. A. Azula’s Arch, Smart Shot, Deadline, Kabella, and In the Mood. Diamondcoat was scratched.

Secret Message has bankrolled $104,317 from her 7-3-1-0 line. Initially trained by Brian Michael for breeder Allen Tennenbaum, the dark bay won two of three at Turfway Park over the winter. She broke her maiden January 20 in her second try, closed for fifth in the February 9 Cincinnati Trophy, and scored in a second-level allowance. Secret Message was subsequently purchased by the partnership of Madaket Stables, ERJ Racing, Elayne Stable 5, and Bouchey Thoroughbred Ventures and transferred to Motion. She placed second in a soggy Hilltop at Pimlico on May 18 in her debut for new connections before stepping up to the Grade 3 ranks.

The Kentucky-bred sophomore is out of the winning Gone West mare Westside Singer. Her second dam is multiple Grade 2-placed stakes vixen Zawzooth.