01/05/2013 10:12AM

Delta Downs: Dancinginthecircle romps in By the Light Stakes

By Mary Rampellini
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Fair Grounds Oaks candidate Dancinginthecircle began her 3-year-old season on a high note Friday night at Delta Downs, when she cruised to a nine-length win in the $100,000 By the Light Stakes. With the win Dancinginthecircle also flattered Pure Fun, the eventual Grade 1 winner she had finished second to in a Churchill Downs allowance on Nov. 24.

Dancinginthecircle ($2.80) was in command of the By the Light throughout, as she set fractions of 23.42 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.67 for the half-mile and 1:12.56 for six furlongs. She was well clear through the stretch, to cover the two-turn seven furlongs over a fast track in 1:25.01.

Terry Thompson was aboard Dancinginthecircle for Bret Jones and trainer Larry Jones.

The By the Light was the first stakes win for Dancinginthecircle, a daughter of Divine Park who earned $60,000 for the effort. She has now won 2 of 6 starts and $115,469. Trainer Larry Jones said earlier this week that Dancinginthecircle is a longterm prospect for the Grade 2, $500,000 Fair Grounds Oaks on March 30. She is based in New Orleans.

Hometown Gossip finished second in the By the Light, while it was another six lengths back in third to Portales.

mrlouey 12 months ago
Of course as Pure Fun owner we are glad to see this great win by Dancinginthecircle. We know the owners are as high on her as we are on Pure Fun. This 3yr old filly class looking like it will be a real good one