Miz Mayhem looking to turn tables

When Miz Mayhem and Roses in the South met in a first-level allowance race with a $75,000 claiming option at Gulfstream Park West on Nov. 16, Roses in the South won the duel and the five-furlong turf race by 2 1/2 lengths. However, when they square off in the $75,000 Cedar Key for 3-year-old fillies at Gulfstream Park on Friday, Miz Mayhem likely will be favored to win the five-furlong turf sprint, which drew six horses.

In the race at Gulfstream Park West, Miz Mayhem was running on grass for the first time, was the inside horse in the duel, and had to steady on the turn. It won’t hurt that she drew the outside post in the Cedar Key, but more importantly, she has improved dramatically in her last two starts, both going five furlongs on turf for trainer Eddie Plesa Jr.

The turnaround began with

a 7 1/4-length romp in a $50,000 starter race with a $50,000 claiming option Feb. 23. Miz Mayhem was much the best again when she won a first-level allowance race with a $75,000 claiming option March 22.

Plesa likes the way she is coming up to the Cedar Key.

“We always thought she was a nice horse,” said Plesa. “She is maturing in the right way, and she’s doing great right now. This should be a good spot for her.”

Plesa is aware of the presence of Roses in the South, who won the $75,000 Melody of Colors on Feb. 25 prior to moving to the main track and finishing fourth going six furlongs in the $75,000 Any Limit on March 24. She is trained by Larry Bates.

“I have a lot of respect for Roses in the South,” he said. “She beat us last time, but our filly is bigger and stronger now. It should be a good race.”

Edgard Zayas retains the mount on Miz Mayhem.

Roses in the South will break from post 4 with her usual rider Alvaro Donis in the irons.

KEY CONTENDERS

Miz Mayhem, by Yesbyjimminy Last 3 Beyers: 85-88-54

◗ The full sister to two-time stakes winner Flay Mignon was very impressive in winning her last two races, and with a couple of solid interim works, she could be coming up to another big effort.

Roses in the South, by City Place Last 3 Beyers: 57-84-57

◗ She set fast fractions and kept rolling when she paid $25 for her 2 1/2-length win over March X Press in the Melody of Colors. She will be happy to be back on turf after setting the pace and fading in the Any Limit.

Really Proud, by Kitten’s Joy Last 3 Beyers: 74-71-58

◗ The half-sister to $2.1 million multiple Grade 1 winner Proud Spell is taking a big step up in class after winning a maiden special weight race for trainer Christophe Clement on Feb. 11. Nevertheless, she is trending in the right direction and could get a nice trip stalking what is undoubtedly going to be a fast and contested pace.

Auldwood Lane, by Bodemeister Last 3 Beyers: 76-65-60

◗ Trained by Jason Servis, the lightly raced Kentucky-bred finished third to Really Proud in her second start and got up in time to edge next-out winner R Happy Ending on March 25. With just three starts, she could have considerable potential, and being a deep closer, the shape of the race could work for her.