Lull Back to Winner’s Circle in $350,000 Ladies Sprint

FRANKLIN, KY – Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider’s homebred Lull put her competition to sleep on her way back to the Kentucky Downs winner’s circle, kicking away to victory in Saturday’s $350,000 Ladies Sprint Stakes.

Winless since last year’s Exacta Systems Juvenile Fillies race here on September 3, Lull was reserved off of the pace under jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr., while Corby set the early pace. Tipped out and moved up to engage the leaders in the lane, Lull poked her head in front of Morticia inside the final furlong before kicking clear to win by 2 lengths in a final time of 1:17.22 for the 6 1/2-furlong turf sprint.

“Horses like her who are athletic, they tend to like this place,” said Hernandez, Jr. “Makes my job a lot easier. I can stay out of her way and let her do her thing. Her trip worked out perfect today, like I kind of scripted on paper.”

Happy Mesa charged late to take second by a neck over Morticia, who in turn was a neck in front of Fair Point at the line. Corby, Mississippi Delta, Miss Gossip, Sea Cloud, Scatter Gun, and Marquee Miss completed the order of finish. Marquee Cal Gal was scratched.

New Subscriber Bonus: Access our Top 10 Wagering Angles in Racing to see exactly what we look for when opening up the past performances.

Claiborne president Walker Hancock said that it’s up to trainer Christophe Clement where the filly runs next, which could be at Keeneland or Belmont Park.

“We got her stakes win this year now, so maybe we’ll get a little more aggressive and see if we can shoot for something big,” he said. “We’ll talk to Christophe about it, Ms. Dilschneider, and everybody else.”

Miss Temple City returned $8 to win, $5 to place, and $3.40 to show. Happy Mesa brought back $17.20 to place and $9.40 to show, while Morticia paid $4 to show.