Lavender Chrissie gets first stakes win in Zia Park Oaks

Lavender Chrissie became a stakes winner on Wednesday, darting to a three-length win over 4-5 favorite Calamity Kate in the $300,000 Zia Park Oaks. The race was the centerpiece of a program of eight stakes worth a cumulative $1.2 million. The program was the most significant of the meet at Zia Park in Hobbs, N.M.

Lavender Chrissie ($9) stalked the pace Wednesday as Calamity Kate took quick command through fractions of 24.06 seconds for the opening quarter, 48.34 for the half-mile, and 1:12.29 for six furlongs. Lavender Chrissie took after Calamity Kate in the lane and went on to cover the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:44.92.

“She’s a very talented filly that has been slow coming around,” said winning trainer Dale Romans. “She’s coming around more and more, and I think her best race is still a long ways away. It’s very exciting to see her do what she did.”

Corey Lanerie rode Lavender Chrissie for West Point Thoroughbreds.

Calamity Kate, the winner of the Grade 3 Delaware Park Oaks, held second, and it was another 2 1/2 lengths back to Sweet Opportunity in third.

Lavender Chrissie entered the Zia Park Oaks off a win over older rivals in an optional $62,500 claiming race at Keeneland. She is a daughter of Scat Daddy and was bred in Kentucky by Mrs. O.M. Patrick.

Lavender Chrissie earned $189,000 for her win, which was her fourth from seven career starts. She has banked $278,813.