Robert E. Masterson's Southlawn uncoiled a strong rally from last, ran down front-runner Pretty Mischievous in the stretch, then shook free to a clear win in the $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) Saturday.
Southlawn, daughter of Pioneerof the Nile out of the Uncle Mo mare Mo d'Amour, won by 3 1/2 lengths and finished 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.38 on a fast track while earning her first stakes victory.
Christian d'Oro sprinted out to lead early and Hoosier Philly ran with her, pressing through the opening quarter mile in :23.65 while Southlawn bided her time at the back of the field.
Shaken up to lead as the half mile went in :47.20, Hoosier Philly was challenged for command around the turn by Pretty Mischievous, who easily dispatched her to take charge at the quarter pole. She opened a 1 1/2-length advantage but was reeled in by a determined Southlawn, who willingly drove clear under Reylu Gutierrez to get the victory.
Pretty Mischievous hung on for second, and The Alys Look was third. Hoosier Philly, the 6-5 favorite was fourth and Christian d'Oro faded to finish last of five.
Southlawn returned $17.40 for the win.
The Fair Grounds Oaks is a qualifier for the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) May 5 at Churchill Downs, providing points on a 100-40-30-20-10 scale toward eligibility to the top five finishers.
Trained by Norm Casse, Southlawn won two of six starts last year but is perfect in both outings this year, entering off an allowance-optional claiming race Feb. 17 at the New Orleans track. The $240,000 winner's share of the Fair Grounds Oaks purse increased her career purse earnings to $318,369.
Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, Southlawn was purchased from consignor Denali Stud for $290,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September yearling sale.
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