Angelica Zapata much the best in Cincinnati Trophy

Angelica Zapata overtook the leaders with a rail bid in the turn and steadily drew away to post a 5 1/2-length triumph Saturday in the 29th running of the $50,000 Cincinnati Trophy at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky.

With Ben Creed riding for Lexington-based trainer Ron Pelligrini, Angelica Zapata returned $7.80 as second choice after finishing 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.51 over Polytrack. Golden Phoenix, the 6-5 favorite, finished second in a field of eight 3-year-old fillies, another five lengths before Bach Hamilton.

Angelica Zapata, a Kentucky-bred filly by Sharp Humor, had finished third as a 22-1 shot in her last race, the Dec. 26 Gowell at Turfway. She earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 77 in winning for the second time in six career starts.

“This filly here, every time she runs, she gets better,” said Pelligrini. “Her numbers get better every time she runs.”

The victory was the second in a row in the Cincinnati Trophy for Creed, who won last year aboard Cactus Cadillac.

The 10-race Saturday card marked the first full program at Turfway in nearly a week. Because of weather, the track canceled its entire Thursday program and all but three races Friday. A nine-race card is set for Sunday.

Angelica Zapata overtook the leaders with a rail bid in the turn and steadily drew away to post a 5 1/2-length triumph Saturday in the 29th running of the $50,000 Cincinnati Trophy at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky.

With Ben Creed riding for Lexington-based trainer Ron Pelligrini, Angelica Zapata returned $7.80 as second choice after finishing 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.51 over Polytrack. Golden Phoenix, the 6-5 favorite, finished second in a field of eight 3-year-old fillies, another five lengths before Bach Hamilton.

Angelica Zapata, a Kentucky-bred filly by Sharp Humor, had finished third as a 22-1 shot in her last race, the Dec. 26 Gowell at Turfway. She earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 77 in winning for the second time in six career starts.

“This filly here, every time she runs, she gets better,” said Pelligrini. “Her numbers get better every time she runs.”

The victory was the second in a row in the Cincinnati Trophy for Creed, who won last year aboard Cactus Cadillac.

The 10-race Saturday card marked the first full program at Turfway in nearly a week. Because of weather, the track canceled its entire Thursday program and all but three races Friday. A nine-race card is set for Sunday.