With an impressive run through the stretch, Sky America ended trainer Wesley Ward's hammerlock on the Keeneland juvenile races this spring.
Ward had saddled the winners of the first two "baby races," 4 1/2-furlong tests at Keeneland for 2-year-olds or 2-year-old fillies that typically feature many first-time starters. But on April 11 John Oxley homebred Sky America put an end to that run when she rallied from sixth and drew off in the stretch to post a three-length victory over her eight filly rivals (VIDEO).
By Sky Mesa , Sky America is a Kentucky-bred out of the Quiet American mare Chalmette. Sky America is a half sister to grade I-placed Third Dawn. She is the first juvenile season winner for Chalmette, who boasts three other winners.
Sky America is trained by Mark Casse and she was guided to victory Thursday by Patrick Husbands. Zee Stone, by First Defence, placed second followed by third-place finisher Dream S'more, by Mineshaft . Ward's 4-5 favored entry of Hearsay Social and Tomei finished fifth and seventh, respectively.
Unfortunately for juvenile racing fans, Thursday's race is the only baby race this week. Going into the meet, an open juvenile race had been in the condition book for April 12 but it did not make it onto the card.
We'll pick this series up next week. The condition book lists a race for juvenile fillies April 18.