Humana Distaff (G1)- $300.000 Purse
CD- For Fillies and Mares Four Years Old and Upward
Seven Furlongs on the Dirt
May 2, 2015

The list of past winners for the Humana Distaff, from top to bottom, are elite fillies and mares.  Blonde Dynamite was a true legend as were the likes of Darling Harbour and Avery Island.  It’s a great list, and this year our mission was to find one worthy of being included.   Donegal Maid seemed to be the top choice as to which most deserved to be associated with the others.  Saturday, like a true champion at CD, this eight year old mare went out there and took care of business.  Put her on that list!  It was the 25th career victory for Donegal Maid, and she is now at $2,485.900 in career earnings.  Despite her age, there is no reason to think she’s going to stop winning races for as long as her trainer, Barcelona Farms, keeps putting her out there.  R A Baze was the winning jockey, his first such win.  The winning time was 1:21.87, the second fastest running in stake history.  Here is a look at how it all went down!

1st- 2- Donegal Maid (8/5)- The eventual race winner from Barcelona Farms got off to a quick start, but did not desire to pressure Ambient too much, content to ride in a stalking position.  Maintained a distance of about a length for the backstretch run, and as Millyon Mama began to back off, some separation began to occur between her and third place.  Responded to the urging of her jockey, R A Baze, on exit of the turn while along the rail, pulling even with Ambient rather quickly before ultimately going by.  Completed the pass of Ambient, and with a furlong to go, Millyon Mama was charging hard and about to go by.  Wait, check that!  This is what a great, champion horse does.  Donegal Maid could have packed it in, and many horses in this game would have.  Not this amazing mare.   Like a horse that has won 24 times previously, she was not going to let Millyon Mama get by her, and dug in, held off the challenge, and got to the wire just in time.  This was truly an amazing display of racing heart.  If you have not watched this stretch run and are just reading this recap, fire up the replay of this race.  Congrats to all the connections!

2nd- 1- Millyon Mama (9/1)- Pumpkin Racing’s longest shot on the board started well along the rail and found herself running alongside Donegal Maid for the first quarter, but then opted to drop back to be near the back of the pack, four lengths off.  As the exit of the turn approached, she got the distance back that she surrendered, but now she had to catch Donegal Maid, again.   She made a valiant effort, and would just miss at the end.  This was a very good result for the horse, but Pumpkin Racing might be a little annoyed about the decision made in the backstretch to save ground on Donegal Maid when the two were level.  Then again, what Donegal Maid did was special today.

3rd- 5- Ambient (8/5)- Just slightly took more money then Donegal Maid at the betting window to be the pre-race favorite.  Ambient charged out of the gate for Mb Stables, quickly getting to the lead and opening about a length and a half, setting the opening quarter in :23.65.  Maintained a comfortable stride as the field started rounding the turn, setting the half in :47.05.  Some might say that Ambient tired in the stretch, but they’re just looking at the race line.  She was strong, she just had to deal with an absolutely heroic display of heart by the winner, and a horse that had saved ground.  Nothing to be ashamed of here, at all.

4th- 3- Mondo Grosso (4/1)- As is her customary running style, the Maverick Racing entry started conservatively, and trailed the field in the early going, about five lengths from the lead, both at the quarter and at the half.  On exit of the turn, E Prado tried to get his horse to make an impressive close, but she would not have the kick necessary, and would have to settle for fourth and never really being a threat to win here.

5th- 4- Mover N Shaker (6/1)- An average start for the Sanny Village entry, beginning fourth but keeping the leaders in close proximity.  Advanced to third as the backstretch run progressed, and into the turn.  During the turn and on exit she just did not have it, and she would be beaten pretty soundly in the stretch.  Hopefully, there will be better days.

Track: Fast
Time: :23³  :47   1:10   1:21⁴

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 2 – 1 Paid 63.70
$1 Trifecta: 2 – 1 – 5 Paid 45.70

Scratched: None

Winner picked by NS

— NS

Categories: Grade I