Augustin Stable’s Informed Decision remained perfect in four starts on the Keeneland Polytrack, as she ran down Carlsbad in the final strides to win the $250,000 Thoroughbred Club of America (gr. II) (VIDEO) Oct. 10, in the process earning a berth into next month’s Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (gr. IT).
Carlsbad, a four-time stakes winner this season shipping in from California for Jeff Mullins, stalked the pace set by Bold Union (:22.39, :45.11) and took over when they came off the turn with Tyler Baze aboard. The 3-year-old Rocky Bar filly took a one-length lead into the stretch and looked to be home free.
But Informed Decision, who raced sixth through the backstretch, was angled six-wide for the turn, and was still three lengths back with a furlong remaining, came roaring down the middle of the racetrack under Julien Leparoux and collared Carlsbad in the final yards to win by three parts of a length. Porte Bonheur was three more lengths back in third.
The final time for seven furlongs was 1:09.03. It was the second straight graded stakes win for Leparoux, who was aboard Silver Timber the race prior in the Woodford (gr. III).
"She's really special, she's amazing," said Leparoux. "She's got this kick on Poly that's amazing."
A 4-year-old daughter of Monarchos—Palangana, by His Majesty, Informed Decision won for the fifth time in six starts this season. She scored grade I victories in the Madison (gr. I) at Keeneland and Humana Distaff at Churchill Downs in the spring. Last out, she triumphed in the Sept. 12 Presque Isle Masters (gr. III) on the Tapeta surface.
"I was a little nervous turning for home," said winning trainer Jonathan Sheppard. "She was just a tad settled back in behind horses. Knowing seven-eighths was her specialty, I figured she was going to finish strong. Sure enough, she came down the stretch prety good."
Bred in Kentucky by C. Kidder and N. Cole, Informed Decision improved to 10-0-2 from 13 starts. She has earned $1,231,617.
The odds-on favorite, Informed Decision paid $3.60, $2.20, and $2.10. The exacta (8-6) returned $8.80 and the trifecta (8-6-3) was $34.60.
Selva finished fourth, followed by Pious Ashley, Life Lesson, Awesome Ashley and Bold Union.