The Honeybee – Grade 3 – $300.000

OP – 1 1/16 Mile – Dirt

For Fillies Three Years Old

February 25, 2023

The track was sloppy, but that didn’t matter to Shadow State. The field got away in good form. Shadow State faded to the back of the field quickly and stayed there for most of the race. Doctor Quinn took the lead and pulled away by three lengths. Proud Spell, Beautifully Grusome and Spring Street pursued in the early going.

Into the turn for home, Spring Street and Beautifully Grusom cut the lead to a length. Shadow State had one horse beaten and seemed completely out of it. Into the stretch, Spring Street took the lead. Shadow State started a run in the middle of the track and went from ninth to fourth with a furlong to go, turned it on down the stretch, and got to the wire half a length in front of Spring Street.

Shadow State earned 50 points for the victory. Spring Street came home with 20. Beautifully Grusome nabbed 15, while Balius and Doctor Quinn brought home 10 and 5 points respectively.

It was only the third career start for Smokey Stover’s homebred. The daughter of Great State – Shadow Island (Neon Wolf) now has 56 KY Oaks points and is second on the qualifying list. Her career earnings stand at $224.240. Congratulations to Shadow State and Smokey Stover!

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES