Race: TC of America (Grade II) — Keeneland, 6 furlongs, Dirt, Purse $400.000, Fillies & Mares 3YO+
Track: Fast • Fractions: :22.2 • :45.2 • :57.1 • Final: 1:09.11

Order of finish (top 3): 1) Lady Lara (Night Mare Racing, Geroux F), 2) Grandest Lady (La Canada Racehorses, Gutierrez Mario), 3) Amazing Nation (Asgar, Curtis B).
Also ran: Aliens (Team 7 Illusions, Cabrera D), Sitting Bulls Champ (Mb Stables, Lopez P), Last Call (YME Stable, Franco M), Racing Tipster (Williams9, Gaskin D Z), Lady Sammyantha (The Sidley Stud, Velazquez J R), Groovy (TwinTowersRacing, Gaffalione T).

Flow & Calls (expanded)

Break / First Call (:22.2):
Sitting Bulls Champ was quickest and made the lead, with Lady Sammyantha pressing closest. Racing Tipster and Groovy tracked just behind that pair. Aliens settled in the second flight, while Lady Lara was kept in hand midpack. Amazing Nation sat a patient trip, Last Call was unhurried, and Grandest Lady bided her time a couple of lengths off the main pace.

Half-Mile (:45.2):
Sitting Bulls Champ still in front, shadowed by Lady Sammyantha. Racing Tipster held a forward spot; Groovy remained within range but began to feel pressure. Aliens advanced inside to a stalking pocket. Grandest Lady began a measured move into the race, with Lady Lara also inching closer while saving something for the lane. Amazing Nation traveled smoothly behind horses; Last Call maintained position without asking.

Five Furlongs / Upper Stretch (:57.1):
The leader Sitting Bulls Champ still had her head in front turning for home, but Grandest Lady pounced outside and Aliens tipped out to launch. Lady Sammyantha, after pressing throughout, began to back out. Racing Tipster could not quicken further. Lady Lara angled for clear running and uncoiled her run, while Amazing Nation cut the corner and dove through with a sharp inside bid. Last Call held her spot; Groovy leveled but lacked the same kick.

Finish (1:09.11):
Lady Lara produced the race’s best late burst, reeling in Grandest Lady in the final strides to win by a neck for Night Mare Racing and Geroux F. Grandest Lady fought on gamely to hold second. Amazing Nation’s inside rally nearly split the top pair and she finished a close third. Aliens kept on evenly for fourth, sharing the line with a brave but fading Sitting Bulls Champ, who set the pace throughout. Last Call was one-paced late. Racing Tipster showed speed before tiring. Lady Sammyantha, prominent early, weakened through the lane. Groovy chased the pace and flattened out.

Winner

Lady Lara (Night Mare Racing) — Geroux F up — stopped the clock in 1:09.11, outkicking a stubborn Grandest Lady with a decisive late surge.

Possible next race: Given her 6–7f graded resume and this sharp G2 score, a logical target is the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) at 7 furlongs, where her tactical patience and late punch are well-suited.

Track: Fast
Time: :22²  :45²  :57¹  1:09

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 7 – 3 Paid 13.90
$1 Trifecta: 7 – 3 – 6 Paid 308.80

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES