Kicking off the graded stakes action on Travers weekend, a field of 6 older fillies and mares sprinted 7 furlongs on Friday afternoon in the $500,000 Ballerina Stakes (G1), a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" event for the Filly and Mare Sprint. Turbulent Descent was sent off as the 2-5 favorite off her win in the Desert Stormer Handicap at Hollywood Park. In to challenge her included 3-1 second choice Nicole H, second in both the Vagrancy Handicap (G2) and Princess Rooney Handicap (G1), and 8-1 third choice Derwin's Star, seventh in the Molly Pitcher (G2) after winning the Bed O'Roses (G3).
Jockey Joel Rosario sent 20-1 All Due Respect to an uncontested lead exiting the chute and she set fractions of 23.02 and 45.33 while as many as 2 1/2 lengths in front of Nicole H and Turbulent Descent. Entering the stretch, Turbulent Descent easily passed the pacesetter, opening up a 2 length lead in mid-stretch through 3/4 in 1:09.04. Derwin's Star, fifth early, rallied late but Turbulent Descent easily held her off by 1 1/4 lengths, completing the trip in 1:22.13 over the fast main track. It was just 3/4 lengths back to All Due Respect third.
Also on the card: The Travers (G1) and King's Bishop Stakes (G1)
