Hidden connection return to the winner’s circle for the first time since the Pocahontas Stakes (G3) in 2021 by capturing the second tier option claimant by 7 1/2 length on December 16 at Fair Grounds Racecourse & Slots.
Friday’s $52,000 race marks her fifth start in 2022 and her second since returning from a hiatus after finishing 12th in the race. Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) May 6 at Churchill Downs. At the end of March, the Hidden Brook farm and the Purebred Black Type got to the finish line right behind the champion Echo of Zulu when he came in second, got one shot, in Twinspires.com Fair Grounds Oaks (G2).
Bret Calhoun-trained Hidden Connection sped through third place for most of Friday’s race before being overtaken by driver Reylu Gutierrez over a clear path at the top of the lane. She changed the lead in the middle of the track and ran away while passing the last stretch.
#3 Hidden Connections (2/5) is back HUGE, grab the 7-word Race @fairgroundsnola with the most ease under @ReyGutiJockey.
The #TwinSspiresPlayback pic.twitter.com/BeQrl9aM5k
— Racing TwinSpires (@TwinSpires) December 16, 2022
3 year old daughter of Link race 1 1/16 miles on fast track in 1:44.30 after getting caught late. Small crossbreed in St. Simon, out great again mare CJ’s Girl get paid $2.80 to be most liked.
It‘ siftyshadetime second run, followed by Hanoi‘ s Haven in third place and flatter me silly in fourth place.
If Hidden Connect is returned to the stakes contest, early 2023 classified races for the region’s older dirt-routing women include the Houston Women’s Classic Stakes ( G3) on January 28 at Sam Houston Racecourse and Bayakoa Shares on February 4 (G3) at Oaklawn Park.
