Runner-up in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) last May, Legion Racing's Drexel Hill returned to the winner's circle with a solid victory in the $100,000 Wayward Lass Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs Jan. 10.
The victory displayed a successful return to form for the 4-year-old Bolt d'Oro filly who was second to Good Cheer in the Oaks at odds of 32-1. Following the sophomore filly feature on a sloppy track, Drexel Hill had a small bone chip removed from one of her knees.
READ: KY Oaks Runner-Up Drexel Hill to Miss Summer Racing
Returning in November for the Mother Goose Stakes (G2) off a six-month layoff, the Whit Beckman trainee closed to finish second to Fully Subscribed, who would return with a victory in the Comely Stakes (G3) one month later.
With that race under her belt, Drexel Hill entered the gate Saturday as the 3-5 favorite in the six-horse field. She ran to it, settling on the outside for jockey Ben Curtis behind slow fractions of :24.57, :49.01, and 1:12.80. Called upon on the far turn, Drexel Hill outgamed Runaway Diva in the upper stretch and drew off professionally to win by 1 3/4 lengths, completing 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.96 and paying $3.20 to win.
Runaway Diva found herself runner-up to a daughter of the winning Daaher mare Ascot Walk for a second consecutive race, having been second to Drexel Hill's half sister, Regaled, in the Delaware Oaks (G3) last September. Ultimate Authority was third.
Having shown ability as a deep closer in the past, Curtis said he had to adapt Drexel Hill's running style given the pace.
"I put her a lot more forward and kind of attacked (Runaway Diva) at the quarter pole," Curtis told Tampa Bay Downs publicity. "I had actually won on Runaway Diva before, and I know she has a quickening gear in her so I just wanted to make sure I had that covered.
"She's a professional who does just enough and then pricks her ears and has a look around. She's a trier who enjoys what she does, and it gives them confidence when they get their head over in front. I could see after the lane that she wanted to keep going, so I think confidence-wise she will get a lot out of this race."
Bred in Kentucky by Tuscany Bloodstock, Drexel Hill was a $50,000 purchase by Legion Bloodstock out of the Warrendale Sales consignment to the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Now a two-time stakes winner, Drexel Hill has a record of 3-4-1 from 10 starts for earnings of $576,520.
Video: Wayward Lass S. (BT)
Tessellate Rolls to Victory in Gasparilla
While Drexel Hill ran well in her Kentucky Oaks opportunity last year, 3-year-old fillies at Tampa Bay Downs will have their shot at Oaks qualifying points Feb. 7 in the Suncoast Stakes. However, the $120,000 Gasparilla Stakes Saturday provided an early glimpse to some potential contenders in that spot, with Gulfstream Park invader Tessellate taking down the locals.
Racing for the partnership of Magic Cap Stables, Paul Braverman, Timothy Pinch, Castle Gate Farm, BAG Racing Stables, John Reinhardt, and Turf Express Racing, the Florida-bred daughter of McKinzie entered as the favorite off a 13-length score in the Juvenile Fillies Sprint Stakes at Gulfstream.
Although the margin of victory was not as wide Saturday, the Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained and Edgard Zayas-ridden Tessellate never appeared in doubt of victory. Settled in third behind fractions of :21.86 and :44.64, Tessellate took command turning for home while swinging wide. Her five rivals slugged it out behind her, Lady Valor besting Ridgie for the place, but were never a threat to the winner. Tessellate hit the wire 2 3/4 lengths clear while completing 7 furlongs in 1:23.58 and paid $3.80.
"I was just waiting for the time to let her roll," Zayas told Tampa Bay Downs publicity. "I tried to get into her at the three-eighths pole and she responded beautifully. I think she had more class than the rest of the field."
Bred by Castle Gate Farm, the filly out of the winning Trappe Shot mare Shotdowninflames was purchased for $170,000 from the Paramount Sales consignment at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. She has now earned $171,010 with a record of 3-1-1 from five starts.
