Trainer Dale Romans beat Rachel Alexandra in the 2008 Pocahontas with Sara Louise, who romped to a 3 ¾ lengths victory over the future Preakness-winning filly.
On Sunday, he hopes history repeats itself when he saddles Sassy Image in this year's Pocahontas for 2-year-old fillies.
“This time last year, Sara Louise was starting to move forward and I hope Sassy Image does the same,” Romans said.
Sassy Image has some big hoofprints to follow in. Sara Louise ran second behind Rachel Alexandra in last year’s Golden Rod (G2) and this year has won the Grade 3 Victory Ride at Saratoga and was second behind champion Indian Blessing in the Gallant Bloom at Belmont. Sara Louise will compete in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) at Santa Anita on Nov. 6 for Godolphin Racing and trainer Saeed bin Suroor.
Sara Louise came into last year’s Pocahontas off a maiden score. Sassy Image, a maiden winner here in June, finished eighth in her most recent start in the Darley Alcibiades (G1) at Keeneland on Oct. 9 after enduring a wide trip.
“She likes this track and she has been training well,” Romans said of Sassy Image, who worked a bullet half-mile of :47.80 in her first work back after the Alcibiades.
