Bright Town gets easy win in First Lady

Bright Town was prominent throughout for a 4 1/2-length victory over 4-5 favorite Haveyougoneaway in the $50,000 First Lady Handicap on Monday at Ruidoso Downs. Teardrop and Popalicious finished in a dead-heat for third in the race that was scratched down to four starters. There was no show wagering.

The First Lady, at six furlongs, was the first stakes of the Ruidoso meet that opened Friday.

Bright Town ($7.40) moved to the lead quickly after the start of the First Lady and dueled with Teardrop through an opening quarter in 22.51 seconds. She proceeded to race with the pace through a half-mile in 44.51 seconds and began to pull clear from her rivals in the stretch. Bright Town covered the distance on a track rated fast in 1:10.91.

Ruby Gonzalez rode the winner for Tricar Stables and trainer Sal Gonzalez.

Bright Town is a 5-year-old mare by Speightstown and was bred in Kentucky by Lochlow Farm. She won the $50,000 El Diario Handicap in February at Sunland Park.