Turfway Park Winter Meet 2005

Flower Alley Wins the Lane's End Stakes
By Emily Hufford

Somewhere between Azeri and Speightstown is Flower Alley, at least in physical appearance. The three-year-old colt's upset victory in the Lane's End Stakes shocked many, but he certainly looked the part in the paddock and post parade. A bad racetrack and a talented field did not discourage the son of Distorted Humor, who made the trip to Turfway Park with trainer Todd Pletcher's Proud Accolade. Flower Alley outshined his stablemate, winning the 1 1/8 mile Kentucky Derby prep by a half length over Wild Desert and Mr. Sword.

The "big name" horses in the race, Magna Graduate, Andromeda's Hero, and Spanish Chestnut, finished 4th, 5th, and 6th, while Texcess finished last.

Flower Alley Before the Lane's End © Emily Hufford 2005

Dance Away Capote in the Winner's Circle © Emily Hufford 2005

Dance Away Capote Wins
By Amelia Baldree

Turfway Park's 3-year-old filly stake, the $150,000 Bourbonette Breeders' Cup was won impressively by Dance Away Capote. Despite the wind and clouds, the flashy gray filly in neon green and purple silks drifted out four wide at the three-eighths pole and drew off to win by four lengths. She was ridden by Rafael Bejarano who broke every riding record at Turfway Park in 2004 and was the leading jockey by U.S. wins last year. Gallant Secret, trained by local James Jackson and ridden by Bill Troilo made a similiar move at the 7/16 pole and came up to place at 75-1.

When asked what was up next for his filly, Jackson enthusiastically replied she was headed straight for the Kentucky Oaks.