African Rose earns sixth stakes win in Albuquerque Distaff

African Rose returned to her best distance Saturday and rolled to a 3 3/4- length win in the $55,000 Albuquerque Distaff in New Mexico. She was stretching out from six furlongs to a mile and led throughout to pick off the sixth stakes win of her career.

African Rose ($5), a three-time winner of the Harry Henson Handicap at a mile at Sunland Park, was making her first start since that meet in the Albuquerque Distaff. She broke from the rail and was up by a length through an opening quarter in 23.83 seconds and continued to lead through a half-mile in 47.56 and six furlongs in 1:11.19. African Rose shuttled clear late, while covering the distance on a track rated fast in 1:36.34.

Alfredo Juarez Jr. was aboard for Judge Lanier Racing and trainer Justin Evans. African Rose, a 6-year-old mare by Bwana Charlie, has now won 15 of 35 starts and $456,657.