Indyanne lunged at the start and briefly trailed but quickly got to the lead, setting fractions of 22.13 and 45.00 down the backstretch while battling on the pace with J Z Warrior. Turning for home, jockey Russell Baze asked Indyanne for run and got it, as she opened up a 1 1/2 length lead in mid-stretch after 5/8 in 56.89. However, the fast pace battle up front took its toll, as Porte Bonheur, fifth early, closed well through the stretch and caught the heavy favorite inside the final 1/16 mile for the upset victory by just 1/2 a length in 1:09.51. It was a long 3 lengths back from Indyanne to late-running Informed Decision third.
2008 Bernard Baruch Handicap and Victory Ride Stakes
By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide
Porte Bonheur wins the 2008 Victory Ride Stakes
Porte Bonheur wins the 2008 Victory Ride Stakes at Saratoga
© Vanessa Ng
The first stakes race on Travers Day was the $100,000 Victory Ride Stakes (G3) for 3-year-old fillies sprinting 6 furlongs on the main track. Azalea Stakes winner Indyanne was sent off as the 2-5 favorite in the field of six, coming to Saratoga undefeated in four career starts, each win by open lengths. In to challenge her included 6-1 second choice Sly Storm, winner of the Mongo Queen at Monmouth last out, and 7-1 third choice Informed Decision, a 6 length allowance winner at Keeneland in April.
Prev
- Shakis wins the 2008 Bernard Baruch Handicap
- Shakis in the winner's circle
- Shakis heads out to the track
- Second place finisher War Monger
- Third place finisher Operation RedDawn
- Porte Bonheur wins the 2008 Victory Ride Stakes
- Porte Bonheur in the winner's circle
- Second place finisher and beaten favorite Indyanne
- Third place finisher Informed Decision
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