The feature race at Belmont Park on Independence Day was the $250,000 Prioress Stakes (G1), a 6 furlong sprint for 3-year-old fillies. Just 5,019 were on hand at the Elmont, New York oval on Sunday, sweltering under the sun as the mercury topped out at 98 degrees. Franny Freud was sent off as the 7-10 favorite in the field of 5, winner of three straight, the Beaumont (G2) at Keeneland, and then the restricted Park Avenue Stakes and New York Stallion Stakes at Belmont Park. In to challenge her included 2-1 second choice Bonnie Blue Flag, also a winner of three in a row, a maiden, an allowance, and the Cinemine at Lone Star park, and 6-1 third choice Champagne d'Oro, winner of the Acorn (G1) last out after disappointing 11th in the Kentucky Oaks (G1).
17-1 longest shot Stormandaprayer was sent to the lead soon after the start by jockey Rajiv Maragh, getting the opening quarter mile in 21.85 and the half in 44.97 while being stalked by Champagne d'Oro and Bonnie Blue Flag. Entering the stretch, Stormandaprayer continued to lead but tired at the 3/16 pole allowing favorite Franny Freud, who was 4th early, to take over the lead on the outside. Champagne d'Oro put in a rally of her own but had to alter course at the 3/16, as Franny Freud drew off to win by 1 3/4 lengths in 1:10.11. It was just 1/2 a length back from Champagne d'Oro to Bonnie Blue Flag third.
