The $250,000 Ballerina Stakes (G1) featured a field of 6 older fillies and mares sprinting 7 furlongs on the main track. Sassy Image was sent off as the 7-5 favorite in the field of 6, off consecutive wins in the Winning Colors (G3) at Churchill Downs and the Princess Rooney Handicap (G1) at Calder. In to challenge her included 5-2 second choice Hilda's Passion, 6th in the Bed o'Roses Handicap (G1) after winning the Vagrancy Handicap (G2), and 7-2 third choice Tar Heel Mom, winner of the Honorable Miss Handicap (G2) last out.
Sassy Image broke in air and was last out of the gate, giving up 5 lengths as Hilda's Passion went to the lead to set the pace of 22.83 and 45.43 over the fast track while stalked by Tar Heel Mom down the backstretch. On the far turn, Hilda's Passion began to extend her lead, opening up a 5 length advantage in mid-stretch through 3/4 in 1:10.19. Kept to task, she finished 9 1/4 lengths in front in 1:22.06. It was just a neck back to Tamarind Hall third, while favorite Sassy Image checked in last.
Also on the card: The Travers (G1) and King's Bishop Stakes (G1)
