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.
Credit: Coady Photography
“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.
Credit: Coady Photography
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.
