SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Heavily favored Turbulent Descent took the lead leaving the eighth pole en route to a 1 1/4-length victory Friday in the $500,000 Ballerina Stakes for fillies and mares at Saratoga Race Course.
John Velazquez rode the 4-year-old Todd Pletcher-trained filly, who ran 7 furlongs in 1:22.13 and paid
$2.90, $2.50 and $2.10 for her second victory in two starts this year. The victory, worth $300,000, guarantees Turbulent Descent a starting position in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in November at Santa Anita.
Derwin’s Star returned $5 and $4, and All Due Respect paid $5.10 to show. It’s Tricky, the pre-race favorite, was scratched in favor of Sunday’s Personal Ensign Stakes.
