by Jeff Lowe

Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Alabama Stakes (G1) winner Proud Spell will receive a vacation after finishing second to Seattle Smooth in the Fitz Dixon Cotillion Handicap (G2) on Saturday at Philadelphia Park.

Owner-breeder Brereton Jones said the Proud Citizen filly came out of the Cotillion in good order, but weary from her eighth start since February, which sealed the decision to bypass the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) on October 24 at Santa Anita Park.

“She’s been more tired than usual after her last two races,” Jones said. “You could tell it was taking a little more toll on her. She was peaked to win the Kentucky Oaks and peaked to win the Alabama, and she’s just a little beyond her peak now, so she needs some time. It’s not fair then to ship her across the country if you think she may not be at her very best.”

Proud Spell also scored wins in the Delaware Oaks (G2) and Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) this year for trainer Larry Jones. She finished second and was disqualified to third behind Music Note in the Mother Goose Stakes (G1) but avenged the loss by defeating Music Note by a head in the Alabama.

Music Note, the other key player in the race for champion three-year-old filly, is slated for the Ladies’ Classic.

Brereton Jones has not decided whether Proud Spell will continue racing as a four-year-old or become a broodmare. Either way, he plans to retain her.

“We think she’ll be a star in our broodmare band,” Jones said. “We’re in this business for a lifetime and we’re building our broodmare band. This is the kind you want.”

Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer