Pool Land Tallies by 12 in Doubledogdare

(from Keeneland report)
Pool Land established an early lead from her inside post and then dusted her four rivals in the stretch for a 12-length victory in the $107,300 in Doubledogdare Wednesday at Keeneland.

It was the fourth win in five starts for the 4-year-old daughter of Silver Deputy. She ran the 1 1/16 miles on a good track in 1:44.08 and increased her career earnings to $156,976 with the winner's purse of $66,526.

Pool Land carried John Velazquez to his second win of the day. The runner-up, Private Gift, finished 6 ¼ lengths ahead of third-place Miss Matched.

In the Gold, the 9-10 choice, and Classy Charm completed the field of five 4-year-old fillies. Lady Pegasus was scratched.

Pool Land, the second betting choice, paid $6, $3.40, and $2.40.

"It seemed like she was looking at everything, the shadows from the poles," said Velazquez. "Once I got her going, I made sure I kept her mind going on what she's supposed to do and she ran very well."

Private Gift, ridden by Robby Albarado, returned $4.40 and $2.60 and Miss Matched, with Shaun Bridgmohan aboard, paid $2.80.

Pool Land, who is owned by Eugene Melnyk, easily won each of her first three starts before finishing sixth after a poor start in the Shirley Jones Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) in March at Gulfstream Park.

"Last time out going seven-eighths, she didn't get away real well," said trainer Todd Pletcher. "She actually finished well, we just couldn't get any position early on. I think this is more her game, though, a mile and a sixteenth to a mile and an eighth."

Wednesday's attendance totaled 10,566.

(Chart, Equibase)