LOUISVILLE, KY – Patricia Moseley’s homebred Proctor’s Ledge rallied the length of the stretch and passed On Leave just in time to take Saturday’s Grade 2, $300,000 Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes at Churchill Downs.
Breaking well from post 6 under John Velazquez, Proctor’s Ledge settled mid-pack early while Psycho Sister set quick splits of :23.85 and :48.35. On Leave took over halfway through the far turn and shook clear slightly in the stretch, but near the 1/8 pole, Velazquez tipped Proctor’s Ledge out of traffic and commenced a chase. Continuing to run hard towards the front, Proctor’s Ledge collared and tipped past On Leave to win by a 1/2-length in a final time of 1:36.30 over a turf course rated good.
“I had a perfect trip,” Velazquez said. “We broke pretty well and got into the position I wanted to be in. I didn’t want to be too far back. She settled well, and after that, I bided my time to get a nice run down the lane. When the time came, I pulled her out; she responded right away.”
The lukewarm 4-1 favorite Dream Awhile wasn’t as lucky as the winner in clearing traffic, having to wait until late to split horses and get up for a gaining third. Dream Dancing took fourth, with Madame Stripes taking fifth by a 1/2-length over La Coronel. Seventh went to Madam Dancealot, with Thundering Sky, Res Ipsa, Psycho Sister, and Insta Erma completing the order of finish.
Credit: Coady Photography
Proctor’s Ledge returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since back-to-back graded stakes scores at Saratoga last summer. The 4-year-old daughter of Ghostzapper improved her record to 12-5-2-1 with career earnings of $579,090 for trainer Brendan Walsh.
“I walked the turf course this morning before training and after, and then the rain started,” Walsh said. “I was a little concerned because she has generally done her best running on fast ground, but we really didn’t have any concrete proof that she wouldn’t mind a little cut in the ground. It’s still very good out there, but they are kicking the top off. I didn’t want her to have another bad race. I talked to Mrs. Moseley a couple of hours ago, and we decided we’d give it a shot. Johnny gave her a super, super ride. She showed the filly she is today. She’s a good filly.”
Proctor’s Ledge returned $15.60 to win, $8 to place, and $5 to show. On Leave brought back $5.60 to place and $3.60 to show, while Dream Awhile paid $3.60 to show.