Played Hard Earns First Graded Win in Locust Grove
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Photo: Coady Photography
Played Hard wins the Locust Grove Stakes at Churchill Downs
In her 12th start, Philip Bauer trainee Played Hard galloped home by 5 3/4 lengths to claim her first graded victory Sept. 17 in the $393,000 Locust Grove Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.
Over 1 1/16 miles on a fast dirt track, Rigney Racing's 4-year-old daughter of Into Mischief race in second early as Crazy Beautiful moved up to set opening fractions of :24.16 and :48.27.
Taking over through three-quarters in 1:12.46 under Joel Rosario, Played Hard held off the challenge of Li'l Tootsie and increased her lead thereafter on her way to a time of 1:43.50. Crazy Beautiful battled back to finish second by 1 1/2 lengths over show-horse Li'l Tootsie.
Played Hard paid $6.24 on a $2 win ticket and increased her earnings to $612,870. Her record improved to 4-5-1, including runner-up efforts in the 2021 Comely Stakes (G3) and the Seneca Overnight Stakes during her 3-year-old season.
"I can't really put into words how special this win is for our entire team," said Bauer.
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Bred in Kentucky by Susan Casner, Played Hard was a $280,000 purchase by her owner from Four Star Sales' consignment to the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
She is the sole winner out of the Tiznow mare Well Lived , who has two foals to race. The dam was barren for the 2022 season. She was bred back to Constitution for 2023.