Fionn’s sensational season on turf continued on Wednesday’s closing day card at Kentucky Downs, where she battled for a half-length win over Candy Quest in the Grade 3, $2 million Dueling Grounds Oaks Invitational.
It was the fifth win from six starts this year for Fionn, all on turf. Her other victories include the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational at Saratoga, the Grade 3 Regret at Churchill Downs, and the Allen "Black Cat" LaCombe Memorial at Fair Grounds.
Fionn ($6.92) had two horses beat in the early stages of the 1 5/16 miles Dueling Grounds Oaks, which drew a field of 12. She was content to race along as Running Away did just that, jumping out to the lead and taking the field through an opening quarter-mile in 24.26 seconds, a half-mile in 48.12 seconds, and six furlongs in 1:11.86.
Running Away continued to lead through a mile in 1:36.02 and was soon joined by a line of competition. Fionn, meanwhile, began her windup, quickened into the stretch, and battled with new leader Candy Quest. Fionn raced along the inside and emerged with about a half-length lead coming to the wire. She covered the distance on firm ground in 2:05.52.
Flavien Prat was aboard the winner, who proved half-a-length better than 16-1 shot Candy Quest. It was another 3 1/4 lengths back in third to Hereforagoodtime.
Brad Cox trains Fionn. After the winner’s circle presentation, Cox was honored as the meet’s leading trainer.
Fionn is a daughter of Twirling Candy who races for George Messina and Michael Lee. She has now won 6 of 8 starts, and the first-place check of $1.15 million on Wednesday pushed her career earnings to more than $1.78 million.
* Jockey Frankie Dettori won his first U.S. riding title with nine wins at Kentucky Downs.
* The meet’s leading owner was Godolphin.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.