EGL One Racing’s Two Bits secured a strong position along the rail in the $135,000 Ruthless Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, a seven-furlong sprint at Aqueduct Racetrack on Friday. Two Bits held off early leader Interstate Love Song by a comfortable margin to claim victory.
Coming off a second-place finish in last month’s one-mile Busanda Stakes at Big A, Two Bits was guided in the sprint by trainer Amelia Greene. The filly, sired by Hall of Fame champion American Pharoah, demonstrated her stamina with a powerful stretch drive. Jockey Jaime Rodriguez kept Two Bits close to the rail, making a ground-saving trip, and stayed neck-and-neck with Interstate Love Song, ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr., throughout the race. After passing the quarter mile in 23.34 seconds and half-mile in 46.70 seconds, Rodriguez urged Two Bits on with a left-handed encouragement, helping her fend off the challenge to finish in 1:24.11.
Our Golden Gator finished third, while the 4-5 favorite Schilling came in fourth; Midnight Genie and Courage on Tap rounded out the placings. Unfortunately, Ivy Girl, another Greene trainee, suffered an injury.
Greene praised the ride, saying, “The rails are excellent right now, and before the race, we agreed that if we could hold the rail, that would be ideal. Jaime executed that perfectly, and the rails opened up when needed, making for a smooth trip.”
After competing on turf at Saratoga in August, Two Bits returned to Aqueduct for the last four races, finally earning her first victory at Big A in November. Friday’s win marked the filly’s first stakes triumph, improving her record to two wins and one second in six starts.
Two Bits earned 10 Kentucky Oaks qualifying points at the Busanda, where she was bested by Dazzling Dame, who has won four of five races and is shaping up as a strong Kentucky Oaks contender. Greene expressed pride in Two Bits’ progress, stating, “We faced some tough competition last time, but she gave a great effort and has improved with every race. Her workouts between that race and this one were very impressive—I told the owners her latest work was probably her best ever, so I felt confident before today. The only question was the drop from a mile to seven furlongs, but she handled the distance change brilliantly.”
Looking ahead, Greene indicated Two Bits might target another Oaks prep at Aqueduct, mentioning the $200,000 G3 Buescher Stakes on February 28 and the $200,000 G3 Gazelle Stakes on April 4 as possible next steps. “The current plan is to give her time and then aim for one of the major Oaks prep races in early April,” Greene said. “I haven’t made a final decision but will monitor her and decide closer to the race.”
Two Bits paid $7.54 on a $2 win bet at 5-2 odds. Bred in Kentucky by the Don Alberto Corporation, she was purchased by Mr. Green at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $75,000. Her career earnings now total $167,000.
Jockey Jaime Rodriguez reflected on the ride, remarking, “She had a good rest. When I first rode her to break her maiden, I took the same path along the rail, and it opened up for her then too. She’s brave going inside and gave her all today. She finished second last time to the best horse. The filly was eager but I kept her comfortable, and once Ricardo opened a gap on the inside, I was able to take advantage and get through.”
Titletown Racing Stable’s Interstate Love Song has made an impressive start to the season, finishing first or second in all three of trainer Tom Morley’s Aqueduct career starts.
Due to expected Arctic temperatures and dangerously low wind chill over the weekend, live racing at Aqueduct will be suspended on Saturday and Sunday, though simulcast betting will remain available. Racing at the Big A will resume Wednesday with a nine-race card, starting at 12:40 pm ET.
Fox Sports’ America’s Day at the Races provides live daily coverage and detailed analysis of Aqueduct’s Winter Games. Viewers can find broadcast schedules and channel information at https://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/racing/tv-schedule. NYRA Bets remains the official wagering platform for Big A races, available nationwide on the NYRA Bets app for iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on February 6, 2026, in the News section.
Fan Take: Two Bits’ breakthrough stakes victory and consistent improvement signal an exciting new talent for the Kentucky Oaks and beyond, reminding fans that rising stars continue to emerge in the sport. This race highlights the competitive depth in the 3-year-old filly division, promising thrilling contests and renewed energy for horse racing enthusiasts.
