Bejarano guides 'Vallencourt' to stakes victory

HENDERSON, Ky. - Rafael Bejarano roused Vicki Vallencourt to the lead in the upper stretch before guiding the gray 4-year-old filly to her first stakes victory Sunday in the $102,050 Ellis Park Breeders' Cup Stakes.

Vicki Vallencourt, owned by Ron and Ricki Rashinski, was always prominent in the six-furlong race, stalking Don't Countess Out from the start. Once asked, Vicki Vallencourt quickly drew off, winning by 7 1/4 lengths in 1:09.92.

Meteor Miracle was up late to beat Don't Countess Out by a half-length for second. For Rubies was compromised by a tardy start when settling for fourth.

Vicki Vallencourt, based at Churchill Downs with Eddie Kenneally, returned $7.20 as the slight choice in a field of six fillies and mares. She now has won five of 18 career starts and nearly $290,000.