FRANKLIN, KY – Augustin Stable homebred Theodora B. took the field gate to wire to win Tuesday’s $500,000 TVG Stakes at Kentucky Downs.
Theodora B. broke alertly from post 2 under Irad Ortiz Jr. as the 3/1 second choice and went straight to the lead, posting fractions of :26.23, :51.32, 1:15.85, and 1:39.78 through the opening mile.
After giving closest early chase, Delta’s Kingdom made a failed inside bid in the stretch as the 4/5 favorite Mrs. Sippy came roaring from off the pace.
Theodora B. dug in gamely and held on for victory by 3/4 of a length, completing the 1 5/16-mile event over a good turf course in 2:09.72.
“She broke really good,” said Ortiz Jr. “She broke in front. I didn’t want to fight with her too much. She relaxed going up the hill, going down the hill, waiting for me. When I called, she was there.”
Mrs. Sippy was 2 lengths clear of Delta’s Kingdom. English Affair, Siberian Iris, and Over Thinking completed the order of finish.
Theodora B.’s win was her second straight following the Dance Smartly Stakes (G3) (her first at this level) and improved her overall record to 18-6-5-3. The 5-year-old Ghostzapper mare has now earned $647,911.
“She’s a really incredible filly,” said assistant trainer Fenella O’Flynn. “A little on the quirky side, but she’s a really, really nice filly. She trained lovely here the last couple of days.”
Theodora B. returned $8.20 to win, $3.20 to place, and $2.80 to show. Mrs. Sippy brought back $2.40 to place and $2.20 to show, while Delta’s Kingdom paid $3.40 to show.
