More Than Pretty Wins Open Mind in Initial Turf Try

More Than Pretty, with Calvin Borel aboard, took to the turf in her first try and rallied in the final stages for a one-length victory over the late charging Handlewoman in Saturday's $117,700 Open Mind for 3-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs.

After 13 attempts on the main track, the Bernie Flint-trained daughter of More Than Ready   enjoyed the switch to grass, covering five furlongs on "good" turf in :57.14.

She paid $40.60, $13.80, and $7.60. Handlewoman, trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Rene Douglas, overcame a poor start and rallied from last to take the place spot and paid $9.80 and $6.60. Bratt'sstablestar, with Rafael Bejarano in the irons for trainer Tom Amoss, finished a nose back in third and paid $3.80.

Even-money favorite Serena's Cat finished eighth.

Owned by Naveed Chowhan, More Than Pretty won for the third time in 14 races and pocketed $69,326 to increase her lifetime earnings to $205,748.

It was the 29th career Churchill Downs stakes win for Borel and his first since the 2004 Louisville Breeders' Cup (gr. II). The win was one of three on the Saturday racing card for Borel.

Handlewoman broke in the air from her outside post in the field of 10 and landed awkwardly, spotting the field several lengths. Douglas guided the daughter of Elusive Quality   toward the rail for the run around the turn and then swung eight wide as she closed strongly through the stretch to gain the runner-up spot.

(Chart, Equibase)