Hanalei Moon Shines in One Dreamer

FRANKLIN, KY – Stonestreet Stables’ homebred Hanalei Moon shined brightly in the stretch run, shaking clear to win Saturday’s $250,000 One Dreamer Stakes at Kentucky Downs.

Breaking from post 7 under Tyler Gaffalione at 5/1 odds, Hanalei Moon was taken back before settling into mid-pack while Classy Act posted opening fractions of :23.68, :47.26, and 1:11.75. Advancing between horses in the far turn, Hanalei Moon tipped out five-wide to chase down and soon surpass the pacesetter.

Kicking away in the final furlong, the Mark Casse trainee completed the mile and 70-yard event over the firm turf course in 1:43.16.

“Honestly, she was pulling me a little more than I would have liked,” Gaffalione said. “Going into the turn, running down hill, she started to catch her momentum and wanted to keep going with it, but she came back to me nicely and finished up the race nicely.”

Na Pali Spirit let loose a late rally and finished well enough to neck out Oh So Terrible for second. Classy Act faded in the stretch to finish fourth by a nose over Cascanueces, with Valentine Wish and Smart Emma each a nose behind her. The 8/5 favorite Limari wilted badly to eighth after stalking the early pace, while Stave and Area completed the order of finish behind her.

Hanalei Moon’s win was her first of the year and also her first in six stakes tries. The 4-year-old daughter of Malibu Moon improved her record to 13-4-2-1 with $284,740 earned.

“We’re very proud of the filly,” said Casse assistant David Carroll. “She’s improved from very start. Today we thought would be her best race, her third off the layoff. Tyler gave her a beautiful ride, and we’re so proud of her.”

Hanalei Moon returned $12 to win, $6.80 to place, and $4.40 to show. Na Pali Spirit brough back $21.80 to place and $13.60 to show, while Oh So Terrible paid $13.60 to show.