Awesome Maria ran her winning streak to four consecutive races when she turned back the bid of Life at Ten in the Belmont Park homestretch to win the $250,000 Ogden Phipps Handicap (gr. I) by about two lengths.
Under John Velazquez, the filly -- who was sent off as the 3-5 favorite -- broke cleanly and raced up to track the early pace set by Absinthe Minded. Life at Ten was on their outside three wide in third, followed by Payton d'Oro and Super Expresso. The opening fractions were :23.05, :45.70, and 1:10.70.
Around the far turn, Absinthe Minded gave way, leaving Awesome Maria and Life at Ten to confront eachother turning for home. For a moment, they were head to head for the lead, but Awesome Maria turned back her older rival decisively and opened up a clear advantage. She continued to pour on the speed while holding off a late run from Payton d'Oro to win the race in impressive fashion.
The final time for the mile and a sixteenth was a sharp 1:41.40. Payton d'Oro came home second, just in front of Super Expresso. Life at Ten tired late in the stretch to finish fourth. Absinthe Minded trailed.
-Keelerman
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