(August 17, 2002)- Stretching out to seven furlongs proved to be no problem for the impressive Miss Ritz Saturday night at Retama Park. Sitting four wide and about four lengths off a torrid pace, 44.90 seconds for the half-mile, the Spend A Buck sophomore engulfed the leaders around the far turn and kicked away for a one-length victory.

"She is such a nice filly," said winning rider Cathleen Garner who was piloting Miss Ritz for the first time. "When I asked her to move she did it easily."

Goodness, who helped set all the early fractions held off a fast closing Sly Kono for a second. The winning time of 1:23.88 was excellent over a track that has been favoring stalkers and closers all meet.

Miss Ritz proved she can get seven furlongs, and trainer Bob Young is anticipating her move to a mile or more. "She is a very good three-year-old and we never thought she would have any problems going two turns. We will see pretty soon," young added.