There was no doubt that Spirit Wind was up against it when the Jacks or Better Farm filly was entered in yesterday’s $300,000, G. II Princess Rooney Stakes at Gulfstream Park. The daughter of Bahamian Squall had to face Ce Ce, a six-time graded stakes-winner, earner of more than $2 million, and winner of the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. A tough assignment for a 3-year-old filly who had raced just four times. 

    With Leonel Reyes aboard, Spirit Wind gave her best, but 2/5 favorite Ce Ce was just too much. Spirit Wind finished second to her heralded foe in the seven-furlong race that went in 1:22.20, earning a check for $58,000 and increasing her five-race total to $197,890, with $189,010 coming this year. She received a 99 “E” speed figure for the effort. 

  Spirit Wind had previously run up a three-race winning streak, breaking her maiden by 15 1/2 lengths, then winning the $100,000 Any Limit Stakes and the $65,000 Musical Romance Stakes. She’s the third highest earner for Bahamian Squall.