by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Maywood Park

Melrose Park, IL — Brad Grant’s prize filly Big McDeal will look to show the world that she is the “real-deal” when she takes on nine other 3-year-old pacing fillies in Friday’s $83,000 Cinderella Stake at Maywood Park.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Big McDeal enters the Cinderella with lifetime earnings of $690,705.

Coming off a nice third place finish in the Breeders Crown final at Woodbine, the daughter of McArdle-Ideal Gal has put up some big numbers while chasing the likes of such great pacing fillies as American Jewel and Economy Terror in her first two seasons of racing. In fact, Big McDeal was the only filly to defeat American Jewel during the 2011 season when she equaled that rival’s world record of 1:50.2 while taking a division of the International Stallion Stakes at The Red Mile.

Despite the fact that she has somewhat flown under the radar in her first two seasons, Big McDeal has amassed six wins, seven seconds and six thirds in 28 starts with earnings of $690,705. Now under the watchful eye of veteran Canadian conditioner Ben Wallace, Big McDeal has set two world records during her racing career, also establishing herself, at the time, as the fastest 3-year-old pacing filly on a five-eighths-mile track with a 1:49.1 clocking at the Meadows back on July 21 while winning a division of a Pennsylvania Sire Stake.

With those types of numbers and the fact that she is a former two-time world champion, Wallace, who is enjoying his 17th consecutive million dollar season, feels his filly deserves a little more of the headlines in what has been a very strong division.

“She may get more publicity now,” Wallace said. “She was a worthy filly last year. She put some great numbers up. She set a world record at Lexington beating American Jewel. She’s come back this year even stronger. Jody Jamieson has done a good job babysitting her back home. We’ve been worried about racing her off the front. He’s done a good job keeping her buried up and having her finish fresh and strong for us.”

Big McDeal has been installed as the 2-1 favorite as she leaves from post position six for Friday’s Cinderella Stake.

The $83,000 Cinderella
PP-Horse-Driver-Trainer
1-Melodie Hotspur-Casey Leonard-Warren Reck
2-Eighthunrdolarbill-David Miller-Casie Coleman
3-Sleazy Does It-Marcus Miller-Nelson Willis
4-Blackjack Princess-Daniel Dube-Jim Meade
5-Princess Cruiser-Dave Magee-Jim Mulinix
6-Big McDeal-Jody Jamieson-Benjamin Wallace
7-Bella Marta-Dan Noble-Vincent Accardo
8-Mj’s Bid-Michael Oosting-Ken Rucker
9-Party Hangover-John De Long-Jesse De Long
10-Podges Lady-Travis Seekman-Joe Seekman