Played Hard Turns Back Secret Oath in La Troienne
Description:
Rigney Racing's Played Hard did just that in her first start of 2023, turning back a challenge from 2022 Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Secret Oath and surviving a claim of foul to win the $750,000 La Troienne Stakes (G1) May 5 at Churchill Downs.
The Phil Bauer trainee, who rated just off the pace before taking command in the lane, drifted out in the race's final furlong but lasted for about a neck victory over the closing Secret Oath. Played Hard and Secret Oath brushed in late stretch but the stewards made no change to the order of finish.
The winner, a 5-year-old daughter of Into Mischief , raced 1 1/16 miles under John Velazquez in 1:42.48. She paid $19.86 to win.
Search Results ran third followed by A Mo Reay in fourth and Desert Dawn in fifth.
This story will be updated.
Video: Unbridled Sidney S. presented by Turfway Park Racing & Gaming (BT)