Two Sharp too fast for Winning Colors rivals

Two Sharp showed literally no rust returning from a six-month layoff when blitzing an accomplished group of older filly and mare sprinters in the $250,000 Winning Colors (G3) at Churchill Downs.

Under Junior Alvarado, Two Sharp made the lead soon after the start, opened up a big advantage on the turn while setting a blistering pace of :21.14 and :43.99, and had more than enough in reserve to finish 3 1/2 lengths clear at the finish. She covered six furlongs in 1:08.75 over a fast track.

This was the fourth win in six career starts for Two Sharp, who was last seen winning the Chilukki (G3) at Churchill on Nov. 23 by 5 3/4 lengths. An odds-on favorite in all of her previous races, she returned a more lucrative $5.82 to win in the Winning Colors as the second choice in a field of seven.

"She's probably the best horse we've ever had in the barn," said Phil Bauer, who trains Two Sharp for Rigney Racing.

Finishing second in the Winning Colors was 23-1 chance Benedetta, who had three parts of a length on odds-on favorite and Derby City Distaff (G1) runner-up Hope Road. Brightwork, who edged Two Sharp by a neck in the Prioress (G2) at Saratoga last summer, finished fourth and was followed by Mink's Palace, Miss Arlington, and Into Champagne.

Although evidently fast, Two Sharp can carry her speed, thus she will have plenty of options as the season progresses.

"She proved in the Chilukki she can go at least a mile, so we'll see where we’ll go from here," Bauer said.

Bred in Kentucky by Woods Edge Farm, Two Sharp sold for $925,000 at Keeneland September. She's by Twirling Candy and out of Double Sharp, a daughter of Distorted Humor and multiple Grade 2 winner Bsharpsonata.