Blue Dancer continues local dominance with Ky Alta win

Blue Dancer cemented his position as the top sophomore at Northlands Park with a dominating performance in the $50,000 Ky Alta Handicap on Saturday. He paid $4.80 as the favorite in the one-mile race that drew nine 3-year-olds.

He was ridden by Damario Bynoe, who picked up the mount from Skyler White Shield. White Shield broke an arm in a training accident Friday morning.

Blue Dancer broke on top and carved out sprint-like fractions of 23.08 seconds and 46.66. He was in complete control after six furlongs in 1:11.88, and after taking a five-length lead into the stretch, he easily held off Centrefire to win by 3 1/4 lengths. Centrefire rallied to edge Purple Heaven for second. Purple Heaven chased the winner before giving way late.

The final time over a fast track was 1:39.82.

Trained by Greg Tracy, Blue Dancer remained undefeated in western Canada. His only loss in seven starts came in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita last November.

It was Bynoe’s first win at the meet and the first stakes win of his career.

“We rode Damario a lot last year, so I knew we were getting a good rider despite what his record at the meet says,” said Tracy.

“He ran a great race but he did get a little tired in the stretch,” said Bynoe. “I am very thankful to Greg for giving me the chance to ride him.”

Blue Dancer is owned by Derby Quest Farms and Shot in the Dark Stable.

On Friday night, Tracy won the $50,000 R.K. “Red” Smith Handicap for 3-year-old fillies with Eustacia, who paid $4.40.

Eustacia was ridden by Scott Williams, who put her on the lead early. She repelled a bid at the half-mile mark by Star Lady before drawing off to win the one-mile race by 4 3/4 lengths. Quality Lane came from last in the five-horse field to finish second. Almost Ninety made a late move to get up for third.

The final time over a surface with a lot of moisture in it but labeled fast was 1:39.03.

Eustacia is owned by Curtis Landry.