A contentious early pace and a patient ride from jockey Joel Rosario gave Obligatory everything she needed for an easy victory in the Grade 3 Chilukki at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
With three wins already under his belt Saturday, Rosario guided Obligatory to fifth, 6 1/2 lengths back of Princess Causeway who veered out at the break and then zoomed to the lead coming out of the chute at Churchill Downs. Quick early fractions of :22.77 and :45.98 left Princess Causeway unable to hold on to the lead as the field entered the far turn, with Miss Bigly and Matera passing the former leader as they approached the top of the stretch.
Rosario took Obligatory four-wide on the turn as Miss Bigly took the lead early in the stretch. His patience paid off as Obligatory had plenty left to pass first Matera and then Miss Bigly, taking over the front halfway down the stretch and getting a comfortable three-length lead before Rosario powered her down to take the Chilukki by two and a half lengths. Matera passed Miss Bigly for second, with Pass the Plate fourth. Sally's Curlin, She Can't Sing, and Princess Causeway
The final time for the one-mile stakes was 1:34.80. Find this race's chart here.
Obligatory paid $5.00, $3.20, and $2.20. Matera paid $4.00 and $2.60. Miss Bigly paid $2.40.
Bred in Kentucky by her owner Juddmonte Farms, Obligatory is by Curlin out of the Macho Uno mare Uno Duo. She is trained by Bill Mott. With her win in the G3 Chilukki, the 3-year-old filly has three wins in eight starts in 2021, for a lifetime record of 9-3-2-0 and career earnings of $711,514.
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