Frosted Grace Becomes a Millionaire in Oaklawn Mile
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Photo: Coady Photo/John Gallagher
Frosted Grace wins the Oaklawn Mile Stakes at Oaklawn Park
Former claimer Frosted Grace became racing's newest millionaire after pulling off a surprise victory in the $500,000 Oaklawn Mile Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park March 30.
Breaking well, jockey Ramon Vazquez eased Frosted Grace off the pace to allow Last Samurai and Silver Prospector to move forward into a speed duel. His placing on the outside worked to Vazquez's advantage as he was able to keep 8-5 favorite Midnight Rising pinned on the rail behind the leaders.
Asked to move forward midway on the far turn, Frosted Grace responded and drew alongside Silver Prospector as Last Samurai threw in the towel. Frosted Grace took over at the final furlong and surged ahead to defeat Silver Prospector by 1 1/2 lengths, completing the mile in 1:36.61. Nautical Star finished third.
Frosted Grace paid $14.40 for a $2 win bet.
Previously trained by Robertino Diodoro, owners Flying P Stable moved the 8-year-old son of Mark Valeski to trainer Mike Maker prior to this race. It was Maker's second win in the Oaklawn Mile, having previously won the inaugural running in 2019 with Exulting .
"Beautiful trip, nice ride, nice horse," Maker said. "Seldom do they play out the way you expect, but this sure did."
Bred by Brereton C. Jones, Frosted Grace was a $10,000 purchase at the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale by Danny Valdez. Flying P Stable claimed the horse as a 6-year-old during the 2022 Keeneland fall meet for $32,000. Since the claim, Frosted Grace has won two grade 3 stakes and increased his career earnings to $1,113,562.