LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Stephanie’s Kitten took the lead in the stretch and held on to win the $400,000 Darley Alcibiades Stakes on opening day at Keeneland.
The 2-year-old filly defeated Heart of Destiny by 112 lengths Friday, with Putthebabiesdown third.
Stephanie’s Kitten, sent off at 9-1 odds by a record first-day crowd of 19,026, returned $21.60, $10.40 and $6.80. Ridden by John Velazquez, the winner covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.12 on the fast Polytrack surface.
The win was a first in the Alcibiades for owners Ken and Sarah Ramsay and trainer Wayne Catalano.
With the win, Stephanie’s Kitten earned an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies next month at Churchill Downs.
Heart of Destiny paid $14 and $9.20, and Putthebabiesdown paid $10.20 to show.
