Exciting Victory for Emery in Grade 3 Victory Ride Stakes
In a thrilling display of racing prowess, Emery, expertly piloted by jockey Tyler Gaffalione, captured the prestigious Grade 3, $175,000 Victory Ride Stakes at Belmont at the Big A on Thursday. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint for sophomore fillies saw the dark bay filly, owned by Stonestreet Stables and trained by dual Eclipse Award winner Brad Cox, make a perfectly timed rally to claim the victory.
Emery, who has now won 4 out of her 5 career starts, entered the race fresh off a 3 1/2-length triumph in the seven-furlong Leslie’s Lady at Churchill Downs on June 9. Gaffalione, who recently secured a tie for the Churchill Downs spring-meet riding title, praised the filly’s development, saying, “I love the progression that she has made from her first start, sitting outside, to where she’s been able to take dirt, sitting back, relaxing beautifully and showing a really nice turn of foot.”
The race saw a fast-paced opening quarter-mile, with Flavien Prat-piloted Mystic Lake taking the early lead. Emery tracked the pace from third position as Halina’s Forte pressed the pacesetting Mystic Lake. In the stretch, Mystic Lake put away Halina’s Forte, but Emery, urged on by Gaffalione, surged past the leader to claim the victory by three-quarters of a length, with a final time of 1:15.44.
“Patience paid off today, and we’re very proud of what she’s accomplished. We’re looking forward to hopefully being on to bigger and better things.” – Trainer Brad Cox
The victory marked Emery’s fourth win from five career starts, and she has now earned $96,250 in purse money. Cox indicated that the team may point Emery towards the prestigious seven-furlong $500,000 Test (G1) at Saratoga on August 3, stating, “It’s possible. We’ll talk it over with the Stonestreet team and watch her first and foremost. There’s a good shot she’ll be getting on a van in a few days and heading to Saratoga.”
Emery’s impressive performance in the Grade 3 Victory Ride Stakes has undoubtedly solidified her status as a rising star in the world of horse racing, and fans eagerly await her next challenge as she potentially embarks on a journey towards even greater success.
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