Vicki Vallencourt Draws Off in Ellis Park 'Cap

Ron and Ricki Rashinki's favored Vicki Vallencourt took the lead after a half-mile and pulled away in the stretch under Rafael Bejarano for a 7 1/4-length triumph in the $102,050 Ellis Park Breeders's Cup Handicap Sunday.

The 4-year-old gray filly by Regal Classic notched her first stakes win for trainer Eddie Kenneally in spite of drifting out in the final sixteenth. Meteor Miracle was second, a half-length ahead of Don't Countess Out in the field of six. The final time for six furlongs on a fast strip was 1:09 4/5.

Vicki Vallencourt was prominent early, tracking Don't Countess Out through fractions of :22 3/5 and :45 3/5 before taking over as they came out of the turn for home. Meteor Miracle, 5 1/2 lengths behind the winner at the top of the stretch, put in a mild rally to tag second.

Bred by Prestonwood Farm LLC in Kentucky, Vicki Vallencourt won for the fifth time in 18 starts while collecting $63,030. She has earnings of $289,813.

A slight 5-2 favorite over three other rivals who went off at odds of less than 3-1, the winner paid $7.20, $3.80 and $3.20. Meteor Miracle returned $5.40 and $3. Don't Countess Out showed for $3.

(Chart, Equibase)