R Disaster too fast for Derby City Distaff rivals
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R Disaster winning the Derby City Distaff (G1) at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Three of the five fillies and mares in the $923,000 Derby City Distaff (G1) at Churchill Downs on Saturday were previous Grade 1 winners. But until she crossed the finish line first in the seven-furlong showcase, R Disaster was not one of them.
Seizing control at the start and allowed to set an uncontested pace, R Disaster turned back Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) winner Splendora turning for home and had plenty left for the final quarter mile to win by 2 1/4 lengths under Tyler Gaffalione.
"This filly came here ready to run today," Gaffalione said. "She was traveling so easy that I knew she was going to be able to find another gear. The rest of horses weren't much of a threat."
Ways and Means, making her first start in 11 months, finished second by 1 3/4 lengths over Usha, who had 6 1/2 lengths on even-money stablemate Splendora. Autumn Evening was outclassed and trailed throughout.
Owned by Averill Racing and ATM Racing, R Disaster covered seven furlongs in 1:20.94 over a fast track and paid $16.26.
R Disaster, who has now won nine of 16 starts, previously captured the Gallant Bloom (G2) and Hurricane Bertie (G3) but couldn't sustain her speed in her Grade 1 debut in the April 4 Madison (G1) at Keeneland, where she finished third by six lengths.
"She ran her race last time in the Madison. The pace was extremely fast last time – faster than we would have liked," trainer Saffie Joseph said. "We didn't originally intend to come back in this race, but she bounced out of her last work very well. So, we decided to enter and see what happens."
A five-year-old Florida-bred by Awesome Slew, R Disaster was produced by Making Havoc, a daughter of Gottcha Gold.
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