Absolutely Aiden speeds to stakes-debut triumph in Good Lord

Absolutely Aiden continued in absolute peak form when speeding to victory Sunday in the $50,000 Good Lord Stakes at Ellis Park in western Kentucky.

Always prominent under Chris Landeros, Absolutely Aiden drew clear after turning for home in the 6 1/2-furlong race prior to holding Home Base safe by three-quarters of a length. The winner returned $8.20 as a slight favorite in a field of 10 older horses after finishing in 1:15.19 over a fast track.

Absolutely Aiden, a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred by Stay Thirsty, was making his stakes debut after winning three of six starts, all allowances, since being claimed for $40,000 last fall by trainer Wes Hawley, who owns the colt in partnership with Greg Frye.

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Absolutely Aiden put away Gray Attempt after contesting early fractions of 21.91 and 44.45, then held off sustained bids from Home Base and Manny Wah when racing closest to the rail down the stretch. The chestnut colt now has won seven of 13 overall starts.

The $2 exacta (2-5) paid $84.80, the $1 trifecta (2-5-3) returned $295, and the 10-cent superfecta (2-5-3-8) was worth $132.25.

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Ellis goes dark for four days before another three-day weekend resumes Friday. The two biggest dates of the 25-day RUNHAPPY meet are set for the next two Sundays – five Kentucky Downs Preview stakes on Aug. 2, followed by the $200,000 Ellis Park Derby and four other stakes on Aug. 9.