by Dean Hoffman

Columbus, OH — Special Lady D got a perfect pocket trip and used that as a springboard to an easy 3-3/4 length victory in the Ohio Breeders Stakes at Scioto Downs. The bay freshman daughter of Stand Forever paced her mile in 1:56.2, dropping a tick from the mark she took earlier this month at Scioto.

Her victory came on a rain-shortened program as lightning and heavy thunderstorms knocked out power, causing cancellation of the program after four races.

Rivervalleprincess shot to the front with an opening quarter in :27.2 in the Ohio Breeders Classic as driver Ryan Stahl kept favored Special Lady D snug on her back. Feelin Rosie paced in third place. The positions remained unchanged through a show-down second panel in :30.4.

“My filly was really comfortable sitting in the hole,” said Stahl after the races. “I could drive her with two fingers.”

Ryan Holton moved the 27-1 shot Mac Come back into contention during the third quarter and loomed on the outside of Special Lady D as they hit the three-quarter pole. She was unable to sustain her bid, however, that allowed Stahl to get Special Lady D out once the leaders hit the homestretch.

The race was over in a flash as Special Lady D blew past the pacesetting Rivervalleprincess to score easily. Rivervalleprincess held for second while the 15-1 shot Friskie Beauty rallied to finish third.

Brian Brown trains the winner for Country Club Acres, Daniel Wozniak, and William J. Robinson.

The Ohio Breeders Stakes will be continued on the Sunday matinee program at Scioto.