Honey Hues held off the stretch challenge from I'm Already Sexy June 7 at Churchill Downs to win the $100,000 Early Times Mint Julep Handicap (gr. IIIT) and earn the first stakes victory of her career (VIDEO).
After tracking outsider Maid On a Mission early, 13-1 shot Honey Hues opened a clear advantage through a half-mile in :47.22. I'm Already Sexy moved with Honey Hues and her jockey Jesus Castanon through six furlongs in 1:11.11 but could not get past the resolute winner.
Trained by Bernie Flint, L.T.B. Inc (Terri and Bernie Flint) and Miles Childers' Honey Hues picked up her third victory in seven turf starts (eighth race overall) and turned things around after a ninth-place finish in the Keertana Stakes May 17 at Churchill. Honey Hues, a 5-year-old by Henny Hughes—Unbridled Echo, by Unbridled's Song, completed the 1 1/16-mile race on firm turf in 1:41.75.
Honey Hues, bred in Kentucky by Stoneway Farm, returned $29.60 to win, $10.40 to place, and $6.40 to show. I'm Already Sexy paid $5 and $3.40 while longshot Maid On a Mission held third and returned $8.60 to show. Favorite Miz Ida, sent off at 6-5, never threatened while finishing fifth.