Ageless gets up late to win Franklin County

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Ageless was up in the final jump Friday to nail the heavily favored Lady Shipman in the 19th running of the $100,000 Franklin County Stakes on the Keeneland turf. The pair might be rematched again in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on Oct. 31 depending how Ageless returns from an apparent injury suffered in the running.

Ageless was reported by trainer Arnaud Delacour to have cut a hind leg in the race, and the 6-year-old mare had to be transported by van back to the barn afterward. The severity of the injury will determine whether she will be able to return for the BC Turf Sprint.

On a drizzly afternoon, the 5 1/2-furlong Franklin County unfolded as many predicted, with Lady Shipman, the 3-5 favorite, dueling to the outside of Richies Sweetheart over a course rated firm. After turning for home, Lady Shipman opened a lead of about three lengths under jockey Eduardo Nunez, only to be nipped late.

“The horse ran like she always does,” said Julien Leparoux, who gave 6-year-old Ageless a flawless trip in catching Lady Shipman with an inside rally. “I let her settle, and she came running.”

Ageless, a 6-year-old Successful Appeal mare, returned $7.60 to win as second choice after finishing in 1:03.60. She now has won 11 of 22 starts and earned $713,130 for the Lael Stables of Barbaro fame.

Free as a Bird, the 5-1 third choice, rallied to be third, three lengths behind Lady Shipman. Sweet Nkosi was along for fourth at 95-1.

Shrinking Violet was an early scratch, leaving a field of eight.

The $2 exacta (5-4) paid $15.20, the $1 trifecta (5-4-6) returned $18.40, and the 10-cent superfecta (5-4-6-2) was worth $428.40.

Going into the race, Lady Shipman and Ageless were first and second, respectively, atop the latest Daily Racing Form rankings (by odds) of contenders for the BC Turf Sprint.