Sunset Ridge delivers as huge favorite in Fleet Indian Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Sunset Ridge won the $200,000 Fleet Indian Stakes as much the best to keep her record perfect after four starts, but she had to overcome a poor start in the process.

Sunset Ridge, the 1-20 favorite, stumbled leaving the gate in the 1 1/8-mile race for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies but quickly recovered and moved up into a contending position behind the pacesetting Somekindofsexy in the run to the first turn. On the backstretch, jockey Jose Ortiz took Sunset Ridge up outside of Somekindofsexy and challenged for the lead.

Sunset Ridge was almost immediately joined from the outside by 6-1 second choice Bonita Bianca, who had been stalking the pace, and they quickly left the other three runners in the dust. Sunset Ridge got the best of Bonita Bianca in upper stretch and pulled away to win by 6 1/4 lengths while being geared down late.

"She stumbled leaving the gate, but I just rode her like she was the best horse and got her into the clear," Ortiz said.

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Sunset Ridge, a daughter of Algorithms, began her career with three wins in statebred company, an April maiden race, a June allowance, and a second-level optional claimer on Aug. 9. The Fleet Indian was her first start beyond a mile and around two turns.

Trainer Chad Brown said he thought the added distance would not be a problem but was "curious how she would handle it."

Sunset Ridge paid $2.10 to win and place. There was no show wagering. Sunset Ridge was timed in 1:51.28.

Somekindofsexy finished third, 15 1/2 lengths behind Bonita Bianca.

Sunset Ridge is owned and was bred by the Alpha Delta Stables of Jon Clay. After the race, both Brown and Clay said they were inclined to try Sunset Ridge against open company next but would see how she comes out of the race and then discuss the future.

Their upcoming options include the Grade 1, $1 million Cotillion at Parx Racing on Sept. 23 or the Grade 1, $400,000 Beldame against older rivals at Belmont Park on Sept. 30. Both races are at 1 1/8 miles.

"It might be best to keep her within the 3-year-old division," Brown said.