Daring Do does in Pea Patch

Ellis Park stakes recap by Kevin Kerstein (Coady photo)

HENDERSON, Ky. (Sunday, July 16, 2023) – Lael Stables’ homebred Daring Do recorded the first stakes win of her young career when she powered past favored American Apple in mid-stretch to win Sunday’s $100,000 Pea Patch Stakes at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming.

          Trained by Wesley Ward, Daring Do completed 5 ½ furlongs on the “firm” turf in 1:01.82 under jockey Walter Rodriguez.

          Daring Do broke well but was then relegated to fourth when American Apple made a bold rush at the rail to lead the field through a sharp opening quarter-mile in :21.15. Around the far turn, Rodriguez remained patient at the rail saving ground while American Apple boldly completed a half-mile in :44.17. Just outside the eighth-pole, Daring Do was positioned to the outside of American Apple and easily powered past for a one-length victory. Twice as Sweet closed from seventh to complete the exacta while a tiring American Apple held third.

          Daring Do tallied $59,140 for her victory in the Pea Patch Stakes. It was her third lifetime score from just five starts. Daring Do’s overall earnings now stand at $184,275.

          Here are the complete results for the Pea Patch Stakes (with $2 mutuel payouts):

          1. Daring Do ($7.72, $3.78, $2.72)

          2. Twice as Sweet (X, $4.92, $3.34)

          3. American Apple (X, X, $2.44)

          4. Erna

          5. Condensation

          6. Twirled

          7. Mornin’ Boss

          8. Foolish

          9. Zoom Erin

          Racing from Ellis Park will resume Friday-Sunday with a daily first post of 11:45 a.m. (CDT). For more information about Ellis Park, visit www.ellisparkracing.com.