Strong Second for Perfect Story's Keeneland Debut

Perfect Story, a half-sister to 2001 Preakness, Belmont and and Travers (all gr. I) winner Point Given, ran a powerful debut race for owner John Oxley Saturday at Keeneland, losing by about a length to Belle of Perintown after taking the lead in the stretch with a wide move.

The 2-year-old filly by Tale of the Cat out of Turko's Turn was a $975,000 buy in the Keeneland November 2000 sale. She is trained by John Ward.

Ridden by Edgar Prado, Perfect Story, the 7-5 favorite in the seven-furlong maiden test, rated behind Leilani's Song and Belle of Perintown, making a three-wide move on the turn for home to grab a short lead. She could not hold off Belle of Perintown and jockey Mark Guidry, on her inside, down the stretch, however.

The morning line favorite in the field of 11, Belle of Perinton paid $9 for the win and combined with Perfect Story for a $2 exacta payoff of $30.80. Quick Smoke was third. The winning time was 1:25.

(Chart, Equibase)