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Favored Chalon proves best in Primonetta

by | Apr 21, 2018 | Breaking, Maryland, MD Racing, Racing

HOW IT HAPPENED

Making her 2018 debut, Lael Stables’ Chalon looked every bit the part of a prohibitive favorite in winning the 6-furlong, $100,000 Primonetta Stakes for older fillies and mares by a length over the betting public’s second-choice, local up-and-comer Cairenn.

Under jockey Paco Lopez, Chalon (4-5) took a stalking position early behind Your Pace or Mine, who led through the first half in sharp fractions of 21.91 and 45.26. When the field began their move towards the leaders, Lopez, sitting confidently three wide, took a peak under his shoulder, asked his filly with a nudge and was never headed, though roused in the final furlong to secure the victory.

Cairenn (7-2) was off slowly but made a nice move between rivals and appeared the only threat to the winner, continued gamely through the stretch only to be clearly second best, five-lengths in front of Short Kakes who got up late to complete the Trifecta.

Running time for the 6 furlongs was 1:09.44.

QUOTABLE

“I’ve ridden this filly before, she’s a nice filly. She broke good and I got in a good position. I knew the fractions were quick but she was going real nice.

“I was on the best filly in the race and she proved it today. When the other filly came to her at the eighth pole, I just gave her a reminder and she responded really well.”

 

— Jockey Paco Lopez

[yuzo_related]

FACTS AND FIGURES

  • Winner paid: $3.60 – $2.80 – $2.10
  • Winning time: 1:09.44
  • Margins: One length from Chalon to Cairenn, another five lengths back to Short Kakes who was two lengths clear of She Rolls
  • Winner’s record: 9-4-2-1, purse earnings of $352,295

CONNECTIONS

  • Owner: Lael Stables
  • Breeder: J K Griggs & Linda Griggs, bred in Kentucky
  • Pedigree: Dialed In-Fall Fantasy, by Menifee
  • Jockey: Paco Lopez

HOW WE ‘CAPPED IT

  1. #5 – Cairenn (5-1): Gets the nod here based on ability to sit off what should be a hot early pace and take advantage of leg early foes approaching the wire; goes for natural Hat Trick in first stakes try     
  2. #6 – Short Kakes (7-2): Winner of 3 of her last four starts, the latest in a minor stakes event at Aqu versus 5 others; she’ll square off against twice as many in here, gets leading local rider J. Vargas, Jr. for trainer D. Cannizzo who seeks first ITM finish with his third shipper to Lrl this meet    
  3. #9 – Chalon (9-5): Only runner in here who is graded-stakes placed; one of many with early speed but her late pace numbers tower over the others; could be vulnerable making first start in 6-months as only two OTB career effort came in first start off the shelf 

IN YOUR STABLE MAIL

Short Kakes was reluctant to load, then was steadied back between rivals in the opening furlong finding herself in unfamiliar territory, yet raced passed rivals showing late interest.