Trainer Larry Rivelli has been a force in Illinois-bred two-year-old stakes races in recent years, and much of that success has come from the progeny of the Five Star Day mare Richiesgirlgotgame.  Richiesgirlgotgame started her racing career on fire for Rivelli and owner Richard Ravin.  On debut she beat eventual Grade 1 winner Tiz Miz Sue in a maiden special weight, then followed that effort with a third-place finish in the Miss Shenandoah Stakes at Charles Town.  Laid off for nine months after that outing, she returned in the claiming ranks.  Though Rivelli and Ravin lost her for $10,000 in May of 2010, they got her back in September for $15,000.  After racing her twice more, they retired and bred her.

Claiming her back and sending her to the breeding shed has paid rich dividends.

Head over to Picks and Ponderings, and relive the first Illinois-bred two-year-old stakes of the year, the Showtime Deb Stakes!