Kimari Surges to Win Madison

LEXINGTON, KY – Ten Broeck Farm’s Kimari surged to the front in midstretch and went on to post a 3/4-length victory in the 20th running of the $300,000 Madison (G1) for fillies and mares Saturday afternoon.

Kimari extended the amazing opening weekend run for trainer Wesley Ward and jockey Joel Rosario.

For Ward, it was his fourth stakes victory in the past two days and his second win in the Madison to go with the triumph by his Judy the Beauty in 2014.

For Rosario, it was his fourth stakes victory Saturday and sixth in 2 days.

“I wanted to sit a little bit behind the other horses,” Rosario said. “After she threw her head around a little bit, she was fine. (After she settled), she was running for me then, comfortable, just waiting to let her go.”

Mundaye Call led the field of seven through fractions of :22.90 and :45.58 with Kimari tracking just to her outside. Kimari put Mundaye Call away at the 1/8 pole and had enough left to hold off Bell’s the One and Estilo Talentoso, who finished in a dead heat for second. Kimari ran the 7 furlongs in 1:21.53.

Kimari is a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Munnings out of the Cozzene mare Cozze Up Lady. The victory was worth $180,000 and increased Kimari’s earnings to $758,777 with a record of 10-6-2-1. It is Kimari’s first graded stakes victory.

“She was a little bit rank,” Ward said. “She broke better than she usually does, which put her right into the race. On paper, there really wasn’t a lot of speed up front. Everything went our way. As soon as she turned for home, (Rosario) started riding her. I was a little worried the last part; I wasn’t sure 7/8 (of a mile) is really her game, but this is her track, and this guy (Rosario) is on fire, so we had all the luck with us today.”

Kimari, sent off as the favorite, returned $3.40, $2.40, and $2.40. Bell’s the One, ridden by Corey Lanerie, returned $2.40 and $2.80 in finishing in a dead heat for second with Estilo Talentoso, who paid $7.40 and $6.40 under Paco Lopez.

“I was very proud of her,” Lanerie said. “(Trainer) Neil (Pessin) brought her over and she was ready, as ready as you can get one for not running. She ran her heart out for me. I’m disappointed we didn’t win but very happy with the way she ran. I’m looking forward to her next race, I think she’s going to improve more and more.”

It was another 2 1/4 lengths back to Sanenus, who was followed in order by Mundaye Call, Fair Maiden, and Sconsin.