Elektrum Surges at Wire to Win Dowager

Hronis Racing's Elektrum surged past Apple Betty in the shadow of the wire to win the Rood & Riddle Dowager (gr. IIIT) by a nose Oct. 23 at Keeneland. 

Trained by John Sadler and ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Elektrum covered the 1 1/2 miles on a firm turf course in 2:33.08. It was the second victory in the race for Sadler, whose Black Mamba won in 2009.

"(Sadler) just told me to come here and ride a good turf race," said jockey Drayden Van Dyke. "(He said) the distance is not a problem. Just ride a good turf race and get lucky, and we did."

Van Dyke kept Elektrum next to the rail through the first mile, as Robillard set the pace. Midway in the third turn, Elektrum briefly was shuffled back to last, but entering the stretch Van Dyke worked his way into the clear while still saving ground.

Apple Betty, making her U.S. debut, hit the front at the eighth pole where, Elektrum angled to the outside and gradually wore down the leader.

"(My trip) was perfect," Van Dyke said. "I was inside the whole time. I had to pull out midstretch and she finished the rest of the way herself."

Elektrum is a 5-year-old daughter of High Chaparral— Carolines Secret, by Inchinor. The $75,000 winner's share boosted her earnings to $536,608 and she now has a record of 5-6-5 from 24 starts.

Favored in the field of 11, Elektrum returned $7, $4.60, and $3.60. Apple Betty, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., returned $6.20 and $5.20, with Swear by It finishing third, three lengths back, under Corey Lanerie to return $12 to show.

Freethinker finished fourth, another five lengths back, and was followed in order by Daring Duchess, Paige, Oakley Girl, Notte d'Oro, Robillard, Lots o' Lex, and Rachel Wall.