SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Stopchargingmaria took command approaching the stretch and drew off impressively to capture the Grade 1 $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks by five lengths Sunday at Saratoga Race Course.
Already a multiple graded stakes winner, the 3-year-old daughter of Tale of the Cat became a millionaire with her first Grade 1 victory in the 1 1/8-mile race for sophomore fillies.
Trained by Todd Pletcher for owner Mike Repole, Stopchargingmaria hit the wire in 1:49.80 and returned $4.40, $2.60 and $2.10, boosting her career earnings to $1,054,000 in nine lifetime starts.
Unbridled Forever came from last to finish second in a field of six, paying $2.90 and $2.20, and Miss Besilu returned $2.50 for third.
In Sunday’s co-feature, Spring to the Sky dismissed a late challenge from Great Attack and pulled clear by 1¾ lengths to win the $100,000 Lucky Coin.
Spring to the Sky led from gate to wire under jockey Javier Castellano, running 5½ furlongs on the main turf course in 1:10.66 and paying $3.80, $2.80 and $2.30. Great Attack returned $5.20 and $3.30 for second, and Strong Impact paid $2.60 for third.
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