Sunday, November 25, 2012

Dance Card triumphs in Gazelle Stakes

Narrowly favored Dance Card may have drifted out considerably in the final eighth of a mile, but the three-year-old filly was still much the best in the $350,000 Gazelle Stakes (gr. I), winning by four dominating lengths.

Ridden to victory by Ramon Dominguez, Dance Card got off to a good start from post position two and quickly went to the front, setting fractions of :23.92 and :48.62 while being tracked by My Wandy's Girl. Wildcat's Smile and Lady Cohiba were also fairly close to the pace, while Jemima's Pearl, Book Review, and Sea Island were at the rear of the field.

Following three-quarters of a mile in 1:12.67, My Wandy's Girl attempted to challenge Dance Card for the lead, but the latter filly had plenty left in the tank, and burst away to lead by 2 1/2 lengths passing the eighth pole. She drifted out a great deal in the final eighth of a mile, but it wasn't enough to stop her from winning, as she continued to extend her advantage to the wire to win by four lengths in 1:50.39.

Sea Island closed fast to edge My Wandy's Girl for second, while Lady Cohiba, Book Review, Jemima's Pearl, and Wildcat's Smile completed the order of finish.

The winner is trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and owned by Godolphin Racing.

-Keelerman

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