Amy's Challenge rolls to American Beauty victory

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Amy’s Challenge led throughout for a dominant 5 3/4-length win over Cathedral Reader in the $100,000 American Beauty on Saturday at Oaklawn Park. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to Swing and Sway in third.

The American Beauty was run on the second day of the Oaklawn meet, which started two weeks later this year to avoid winter weather. It was sunny and in the mid-50s on Saturday. Oaklawn will race three weeks later this meet, to May 4.

Amy’s Challenge ($9) broke well and after withstanding pressure from Jessica Krupnick through an opening quarter in 21.43 seconds proceeded to race in the clear through a half-mile in 44.48. The eventual winner rolled through the lane, covering six furlongs on a track rated fast in 1:09.32.

“She’s just a Cadillac,” winning rider Alex Canchari said after the American Beauty. “I was just a passenger on her.”

Mac Robertson trains Amy’s Challenge for Novagratz Racing. She earned $60,000 for the win, her third in a stakes race. Overall, the daughter of Artie Schiller has won 5 of 9 starts and $299,156.

Racing resumes Sunday.