Stone Farm, John Adger, Oak Crest Farm and trainer Michael Stidham’s
Upperline prevailed after a protracted duel with Ciao Bella to win the
21
st running of the $125,000 Rood & Riddle Dowager for
fillies and mares by three-quarters of a length before a Sunday
afternoon crowd of 19,134 at Keeneland.
Winner of the Bewitch (G3) here in the spring, the 5-year-old
Upperline became the first horse to win the Bewitch and Rood &
Riddle Dowager in the same year.
Ridden by James Graham, Upperline was content to rate off the pace of
For the Win, who was tracked by Ciao Bella and jockey John Velazquez.
Approaching the far turn, Ciao Bella took over from For the Win, but
Upperline moved with her and the two raced as a team the rest of the way
with Upperline gaining the upper hand in deep stretch.
Upperline, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Maria’s Mon out of the
Caerleon mare Snowflake (IRE), covered the 1½ miles on a firm turf
course in 2:32.19.
The victory was worth $75,000 and increased Upperline’s earnings to $772,988 with a record of 25-9-5-4.
Upperline rewarded her backers in the sun-splashed crowd with payoffs
of $6, $3.20 and $2.40. Ciao Bella returned $4.60 and $3.60 with
Janicellaine (IRE) rallying for third another neck back under Julien
Leparoux and returning $4.20 to show.
Defending Rood & Riddle Dowager champion Senada finished fourth
and was followed in order by Bubbly Jane (BRZ), Thislilsoulofmine,
Revelstoke, Maid of Heaven, Heart of Destiny, Charming She Is and For
the Win.