Giving jockey Tyler Gaffalione his third victory on the afternoon, Gainesway Stable's homebred Karakontie filly Spendarella came from just off the pace to score an easy and popular win by 1 3/4 lengths in Saturday's Grade 2 Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky.
Winning for the third time without a defeat, Spendarella covered one mile on good turf in 1:37.41 and paid $3.40 as the 3-5 favorite in the field of eight 3-year-old fillies. Dolce Zel, the second choice in the wagering, finished second, with Skims third and Kneesnhips fourth.
Trained by Graham Motion, Spendarella was produced from the Unusual Heat mare Spanish Bunny. She debuted in February, winning a Gulfstream Park maiden race at 1 1/16 miles, then jumped into stakes competition next out, going wire to wire to win the G3 Herecomesthebride at the South Florida track on March 5.
In the Appalachian, Gaffalione put Spendarella just behind the pacesetter, Glenall, who set fractions of :24.50, :49.11 and 1:14.12 for the first six furlongs. Spendarella took command into the stretch and was never challenged thereafter.
“She was going into the first turn very comfortably,” said Gaffalione. “She was in a great rhythm, and that other horse (Glenall-IRE) coming up inside didn't bother her at all. She relaxed beautifully and had some turn of foot.”
“She's made me look good,” Motion said of Spendarella. “She just does everything so easily. She's such a professional, she's a fighter – she obviously loves it. She makes me look smart.”
What's next for the filly? “I've heard mention of Ascot possibly, so we'll see,” said Motion. “I need to talk to Wesley” (a wink and nod to Keeneland-based trainer Wesley Ward, who is notable for success at England's Royal Ascot).
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