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Burst propels Mauralakana in Sheepshead Bay

Mauralakana was breathtaking in the Sheepshead Bay (Joseph DiOrio/Horsephotos.com) MAURALAKANA (Fr) (Muhtathir [GB]) ranged up three wide turning for home, and when set down by jockey Kent Desormeaux, turned in an explosive late kick to put three lengths between herself and long-time leader Herboriste (GB) (Hernando [Fr]) at the finish of the $150,000 Sheepshead Bay H. (G2) at Belmont Park on Saturday. The 8-5 favorite in the field of eight, Mauralakana returned $5.40, $3.60 and $2.80 while keying exotic payoffs of $38.60 (exacta) and $101 (8-4-2 trifecta). "That was a scintillating turn of foot -- a lovely ride, too!" Desormeaux said. "(Trainer) Chris (Clement) had her breathing fire today." Mauralakana was content to rate in sixth while Herboriste set a moderate pace of :24 1/5, :49 1/5, 1:14 3/5 and 1:39. Mauralakana then took over and completed the 1 3/8 miles on the firm inner turf in 2:14 3/5. When collared by the winner, Herboriste offered no challenge, but did hold second by a half-length to return $8.60 and $4.20 as the 9-1 fifth pick. Hostess (Chester House) picked up the show to pay $3.30 at 3-1, finishing 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Leap in the Sun (Anees). Rising Cross (GB) (Cape Cross [Ire]), J'ray (Distant View) and Ochre (Red Ransom) followed, while Flawless Treasure (War Chant) was pulled up down the backside and vanned off.

The victory was the third in four starts this season for Mauralakana, a five-year-old who earlier this year captured The Very One H. (G3) at Gulfstream and the Mairzy Doates H. at Calder. In between those wins, Mauralakana finished 1 1/4 lengths second in the Orchid H. (G3) at Gulfstream Park. With the Sheepshead Bay victory, Mauralakana has now bankrolled $863,012 from a line of 24-9-3-3.

Bred by SARL Classic Breeding & M. Hassan, Mauralakana was trained prior to this year by Patrick Biancone, who conditioned her to a second-place finish in the 2006 Queen Elizabeth II Invitational Challenge Cup (G1) at Keeneland and a victory in the 2007 Locust Grove H. (G3) at Churchill. Mauralakana also placed in the Glens Falls H. (G3) and Noble Damsel H. (G3) last year. Before joining the Biancone barn, Mauralakana was a Grade 3 winner and Grade 1-placed in France. Mauralakana was purchased by Robert Scarborough for $900,000 at last year's Keeneland November sale.

"She was bought as a broodmare prospect for Australia," Clement said. "The plan is for her to be covered by September 1, and then go to Australia. So, we will be looking at the Beverly D. (S. [G1] at Arlington Park on August 9). Of course, things could change."

Jimkana (Double Bed [Fr]), the dam of Mauralakana, won just once in 41 starts in France, but has reared two stakes winners from three foals to race. Petit Calva (Desert King), a half-sister to Mauralakana, won two listed events and placed in a French Group 3 event. Jimkana is herself a full sister to renowned globetrotter and multiple highweight Jim and Tonic (Fr).

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