Bayou's Lassie leads Distaff Turf parade

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Speed on the Churchill Downs turf course, strong on Friday, continued to be strong in the first grass race Saturday as Bayou's Lassie, Dreaming of Anna, and Ventura went around the track one-two-three in the $150,000 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile.

Jockey Edgar Prado sent Bayou's Lassie clear of Dreaming of Anna, the 7-5 favorite, on the first turn, and the pair turned back a challenge from her through the stretch. Ventura, a bit rank in the early stages, briefly looked like a threat when she moved out to launch a run at the top two in upper stretch, but was unable to make an appreciable impact.

Bayou's Lassie, who paid $26.20, covered the mile over good footing in 1:37.70.