After an epic 1 1/8 mile struggle with Ghost Runner, Lime Dancer managed to prevail in the Grade 2 Honeymoon Stakes at SA.

They battled every step of the way. Right out of the gate, Ghost Runner and Lime Dancer went for the lead. By the time they went under the wire for the first time, they had opened four lengths on the rest of the field with Pip Irish third, Triptych fourth and Halloween Candy last.

Around the clubhouse turn, Lime Dancer stuck her head in front, but Ghost Runner fought back on the outside and drew even with her again. Six lengths now separated these two from the rest of the field.

On the backstretch, far behind the leaders, Halloween Candy made a move on the outside to challenge Pip Irish for third. But all eyes remained on the leaders as the SA crowd waited to see which, if either, would be left standing at the finish. They covered the first ¾ mile in a fast 1:10.49.

On the far turn, it was Ghost Runner sticking a head in front, but just as Ghost Runner had done earlier, Lime Dancer drew alongside once again and the two entered the stretch stride for stride. Behind them Triptych and Pip Irish were closing fast. At the mile marker, the lead had been cut to four. Just before the wire, Lime Dancer finally managed to shake Ghost Runner and drew away to win by a length.

It was the second win in ten career starts for Drabfantasy’s three-year-old filly, bringing her career earnings to $178.070.

Complete Order of Finish

Lime Dancer – Dueled with Ghost Runner every step of the way, then pulled away to win by a length at the wire.

Ghost Runner – Pressed the lead throughout, beaten in the last jumps before the finish

Triptych – Last for the first half of the race, then mounted a strong challenge in the stretch that was good enough to earn him third place.

Pip Irish – Moved in the stretch alongside Triptych but had to settle for fourth.

Halloween Candy – Mounted a half-hearted challenge on the backstretch but was never a factor.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES