Plucky Amalie, the longest shot on the board at 20-1, came from off the pace in Sunday’s Boiling Springs Stakes (G3) at MTH to win by a length. She broke last and was still last as the field reached the main track. Up front, Laff Night Out took control by 1/2 length over Tennessee Titan. Favorite Nebraska Ag was 3 lengths back between Tyre and Barletta.

Under the wire for the first time, Laff Night Out still led the way. Less than 4 lengths covered the first 6 runners, while Plucky Amalie and Desert Valley battled for 7th and 8th another 3 lengths back.

Barletta made a big move on the outside into the turn and moved up to 3rd while Scandalous Dancer cut Laff Night Out’s lead to 1/4 length. Trailers Desert Valley and Plucky Amalie were stride for stride almost 8 lengths back.

Into the backstretch Scandalous Dancer pulled even with Laff Night Out and a duel was underway. Behind them, Tennessee Titan held off Barletta for 3rd. Plucky Amalie got a head in front of Desert Valley, but still had a lot of distance to make up. Luckily, there was also a lot of track left to do it in.

At the head of the turn, Plucky Amalie started her run from the back of the pack while the contest for first continued on the front end. Tyre sat 6th behind a wall of horses that included Tennessee Titan, favorite Nebraska Ag, and Barletta.

Midway on the turn, P Lopez swung Plucky Amalie to the far outside, and she exploded down the stretch, passing the entire field. In the blink of an eye, she went from 7th to 2nd. Laff Night Out had reclaimed the lead, but with half a furlong to run, Plucky Amalie swept into the lead. Nebraska Ag made a move on the inside, but too little too late. Plucky Amalie opened up by a length in a very impressive performance.

The win brings Plucky Amalie’s earnings to $97.180 and her record to 9-3-2-1 for owner / breeder Barcelona Farms.

Order of Finish

Plucky Amalie – came from last to first in impressive style to win by a length

Laff Night Out – Led at every call but the last and held on to finish 2nd

Nebraska Ag – Stalked the pace most of the way but never fired down the stretch

Tennessee Titan – Close throughout but outrun in the stretch

Scandalous Dancer – Battled for the lead throughout, then weakened in the stretch

Tyre – Terrible trip, had nowhere to run

Barletta – Close early, then faded

Death Valley – Trailed the field throughout

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES