Against the Sky wins Ballerina despite trouble

VANCOUVER, British Columbia Against the Sky overcame adversity to win the Grade 3, $135,800 Ballerina at Hastings on Saturday.

With Frank Fuentes in the irons, Against the Sky had settled early and was starting to move closer to the leaders when she had to check sharply after Lecturing Lynn, who was forcing the pace, broke down just past the half-mile pole. After dropping back to seventh in the eight-horse field, Against the Sky regained her composure and was in full stride when she reached the stretch turn. She opened a two-length advantage at the top of the stretch and then held off a late surge by Lady Raj to win by three-quarters of a length. Blue Sky Holiday came from off the pace to finish a non-threatening third.

"That was very scary," said Fuentes. "She almost clipped heels when the horse broke down in front of her."

It was the sixth straight win for Against the Sky, who is trained by Craig MacPherson. Against the Sky earned $78,600 for her owner Bob Leffler, who claimed her for $8,000 in 2006.

Against the Sky returned $8.70 as the second choice in the wagering behind the Troy Taylor trained-entry of Holy Nova and Lady Raj.

Final time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:51.04.