Proviso did her best Zenyatta impersonation Saturday in the Grade 1,
$400,000 First Lady at Keeneland, appearing in danger of being beaten
in midstretch, only to unleash a powerful closing kick to secure yet
another prestigious victory.
As she had in winning the Diana, Just a Game, and Frank Kilroe
Mile earlier in the year -- all Grade 1 races -- Proviso didn't win by
much, but impressed with a half-length score over longshot C.S. Silk.
Eighth of nine early under regular rider Mike Smith, she stayed
far off a moderate but contested pace set by longshot West Hope, who
set splits of 23.92 seconds and 47.54 in the one-mile turf race. When
the field reached the stretch, and Wasted Tears took command with six
furlongs in 11.75, Proviso still had seven horses to pass.
But pass them she did, closing down the center of the course, racing the distance in a sharp 1:34.81. She paid $4.60.
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