Narrow favorite On Fire Baby stamped herself as one of the favorites for next year's Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) with a dominating and authorative victory in the $150,000 Golden Rod Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs.
Ridden by J. Johnson for trainer Gary Hartlage, On Fire Baby broke cleanly from gate six and and bounded away to take the early lead. She was able to escape with moderate fractions, including a fifty-and-change half mile while narrowly leading a very compact field. But turning for home, Johnson asked her for run and she responded with a brilliant burst of speed that carried her to a four-length lead in the stretch. She continued to extend her lead from there, hitting the wire some seven or eight lengths in front. She completed the mile and a sixteenth event in 1:45.98. Goldrush Girl finished best of the rest in second, while Back Spin rallied belatedly from last to grab third. Second choice Golden History completed the superfecta.
-Keelerman
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