Aruna proved she can handle Polytrack just as well as turf this afternoon at Keeneland, rallying past horses on the far outside to win the $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (gr. I) in impressive fashion.
Under Ramon Doninguez, Aruna, the 2-1 favorite in a large field of twelve, settled off the pace as Embur's Song set a quick pace of :23.39 and :46.41. Tapitsfly was sitting a length behind in second, followed by Dynazaper in third. Those three continued to lead all the way around the racetrack and were three in a row as the field entered the homestretch, having run the opening three-quarters of a mile in 1:10.76. But a large cavalcade of talented runners were charging behind them, and soon it was Pachattack, closing from mid-pack, who took over the lead. But Aruna was charging strongly and simply flew home while six or seven wide to be up in time to win by three-quarters of a length. Pachattack finished second as the 5-2 second choice, while 27-1 shot La Gran Bailadora edged out Protesting by a head for fourth. The final time was a sharp 1:47.88.
The winner is trained by Graham Motion and may make her next start in the $2,000,000 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I) in early November.
Earlier on the card, Animal Spirits charged hard under Robby Albarado to win the $150,000 Bourbon Stakes (gr. III) by a half-length over Coalport. Trained by Albert Stall, Jr., the colt settled off the pace as 7-2 second choice Here Comes Frazier led the field around the racetrack. Turning for home Here Comes Frazier appeared to still have something left, but bumped into the rail and fell in the stretch. Fortunately, both horse and rider escaped injury, as did the remainder of the field. The fall left Coalport on the lead, but Animal Spirits was charging furiously and got up in the final strides to win the race. The final time was 1:44.24.
Lucky Chappy turned in an impressive rally to be up for third after a slow beginning, while Splendiferous finished fourth. It is worth noting that Burn the Mortgage, who finished ninth, lost any and all chance when forced to steady hard and dive out of the way when Here Comes Frazier fell. Thus, he is likely better than his poor showing implies.
-Keelerman
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