While last year’s 6 1/4-length Molly Pitcher win was easy for the 5-year-old Distorted Humor   mare, the 2008 edition proved even more of a mismatch. Ridden by Robby Albarado, Hystericalady stalked pacesetter Rolling Sea through comfortable fractions, took over approaching the quarter pole, and pulled away with every stride in the stretch. Albarado was like a statue while covering his mount in the final yards.

The final time for 1 1/16 miles was 1:43.21.

Rolling Sea held on for second despite tiring late, finishing 1 1/4 lengths in front of third-place Lexi Star. Talkin About Love was fourth in a field of five.

Trained and co-owned by Jerry Hollendorfer, Hystericalady won her third consecutive race, all in grade II competition. She entered the Molly Pitcher off convincing victories in the Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs and the Delaware Handicap July 13. This was her seventh career graded stakes triumph.

“I just tried to keep her out of trouble,” Albarado said. “She has a nice 47/48 clip, and wherever that left me I was happy. She pretty much ran the same race as when I rode her last time. I was just a passenger today. I can’t take credit for this one.”

Under Joe Bravo, Rolling Sea broke sharply from post 2 and went to the front. The Illinois-bred set fractions of :24.22, :48.43, and 1:12.30. Staying close throughout the backstretch, Hystericalady began to inch closer on the turn while still in hand. She collared the pacesetter before the quarter-pole and opened up by four lengths at the top of the lane.

“She always does more than we expect of her,” said Hollendorfer. “She broke very sharp. We thought Kiaran’s horse (trainer McLaughlin and Cowgirls Don’t Cry) would be going to the front, but when she didn’t we found ourselves very close. She was able to sit second and get a great trip.

“We’ll probably go to the Lady’s Secret Stakes at Santa Anita (Sept. 27), or we may skip it and go right to the Breeders’ Cup. The Breeders’ Cup is the goal. She’s entered in the November Keeneland sale, but the owner could certainly overrule that and keep her in training.”

The other owners of Hystericalady are Rancho San Miguel and George Todaro. She was bred in Kentucky by Abbott Properties and is out of the Northaire mare Sacramentada. Her career earnings are $2,290,556 from 21 starts.

The winner paid $2.20, $2.10, and $2.10. The exacta (1-2) returned $11.20.