Hystericalady dominates second straight Molly Pitcher

Hystericalady was never challenged in the Molly Pitcher (Bill Denver/Equi-Photo)

HYSTERICALADY (Distorted Humor) took the lead out of the gate in last year's

Molly Pitcher H. (G2) and never relinquished her advantage en route to a 6

1/4-length victory. On Saturday, the five-year-old chestnut found herself

stalking the early pace while going for a second consecutive score in the

$269,000 event, but still showed her dominance when drawing off at will in the

stretch to finish eight lengths the best under a motionless Robby Albarado.

"I was just a passenger today," Albarado admitted. "I can't take

credit for this one."

Hystericalady broke on top from her rail post but drifted out a bit nearing

the first bend, allowing Rolling Sea (Sefapiano) to sneak up to her inside and

grab the lead. That one set splits of :24 1/5, :48 2/5 and 1:12 1/5 with

Hystericalady loping along just in behind and to her outside. Nearing the final

turn, Hystericalady easily pulled even and then began drawing off, eventually

stopping the clock in 1:43 1/5.

The Jerry Hollendorfer-trained winner was sent off the prohibitive 1-9

favorite in the six-horse field and effortlessly vindicated that status while

paying $2.20, $2.10 and $2.10. Rolling Sea held second by 1 1/4 lengths to

return $5.60 and $2.80 as the 11-1 second longest shot in the field, while Lexi

Star (Crypto Star) was easily best of the rest by 9 1/2 lengths to give back

$2.20 as the 6-1 second pick. The exotics were worth $11.20 (exacta) and $23.20

(1-2-3 trifecta).

Talkin About Love (Not For Love) came next while Cowgirls Don't Cry (Pure

Prize) was eased under the line. Czarina's Girl (Unbridled Jet) was withdrawn.

"She always does more than we expect of her," Hollendorfer said. "She

broke so sharp. She was able to sit second and get a great trip."

Hystericalady really came on for Hollendorfer, who owns the mare in

partnership with George Todaro and Rancho San Miguel, during 2007, taking the

Humana Distaff S. (G1) and Molly Pitcher while placing in the Vanity

Invitational H. (G1), Lady's Secret S. (G1) and Milady H. (G2). She ended her

four-year-old campaign with a neck second to champion Ginger Punch (Awesome

Again) in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), and has added a win in the Azeri S.

(G3), a third in the Humana Distaff, a 7 1/2-length victory in the Fleur de Lis

H. (G2) and a four-length score in the Delaware H. (G2) to her line this season.

The chestnut mare has now banked $2,290,556 to go along with her 21-11-3-2

career mark.