Lovely Maria Claims First Stakes in Ashland
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Brereton Jones' Lovely Maria chose the right date to put in the best race of her career, tracking the early pace and surging in the stretch to win the $500,000 Central Bank Ashland Stakes (gr. I) by 3 1/4 lengths April 4 at Keeneland for her first stakes victory .
The 3-year-old daughter of Majesticperfection went off at 9-5 odds and completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.66 on a fast track. The win was the first grade I score for jockey Kerwin Clark, who entered the day with 2,909 career wins.
"It's been 40 years in the making and I just thank God for Brereton Jones and (trainer) Larry Jones," Clark said. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them. They're great people. They've made me a better person and a better rider. I'm just blessed to be here."
Lovely Maria stalked, a length back of early dueling leaders Temper Mint Patty and Angela Renee as they ran the first quarter mile in :24.37, the half in :48.53, and six furlongs in 1:12.86. At the top of the stretch, Lovely Maria took command and drew away late.
"It was a great trip," Clark said. "I thought I would be more forwardly placed, maybe even on the lead, but she's a nice filly—really coming into her own—and you can pretty much put her wherever you want her to be. She relaxed nice. Down the backside, she's laying third and her ears are flicking back and forth, and I'm like, 'Boy, this is pretty good.' "
Lovely Maria returned $5.80, $3, and $2.80 across the board. Angela Renee delivered $3.20 and $30, while 17-1 longshot Silverpocketsfull brought in $4.80 for her closing show effort.
Bred by Olin Gentry and Thomas Gaines from the Thunder Gulch mare Thundercup, Kentucky-bred Lovely Maria earned 100 points toward a spot in the the Kentucky Oaks May 1 and improved her record to 3-3-0 from seven career starts. Her career earnings now sit at $402,600.
Lovely Maria last won in an allowance/optional claiming event at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots Jan. 26 before she finished second to I'm a Chatterbox in the Rachel Alexandra (gr. III) Feb. 21.
Lassofthemohicans was fourth, followed by West Coast Belle, Temper Mint Patty, and Peace and War, to complete the order of finish.