Calder: Wide trip can't stop Sweet Repent in Nancy's Glitter

Sweet Repent solidified her position atop the Calder filly and mare handicap division with a popular but hard-fought, one-length victory over Diosa Indian in Saturday’s $75,000 Nancy’s Glitter Handicap.

With Fernando Jara aboard, Sweet Repent was hung wide throughout the 1 1/16-mile Nancy’s Glitter as Diosa Indian cruised along on an easy lead. Sweet Repent gradually began to cut into that advantage once settling into the stretch, ultimately wearing down the leader and then holding off a belated surge from third-place finisher Tesoro de Amor.

The victory was the eighth in the last nine starts for Sweet Repent, a 5-year-old daughter of Repent owned by the Buongiomo A Tutti Stable and trained by David Braddy. Sweet Repent paid $3.60 after completing the distance in 1:47.80 over a fast track.

Trip for A.J., the defending Nancy’s Glitter champion saved ground throughout but could not muster a closing response, finishing fourth in a compact field of six older fillies and mares. Joanie’s Catch and Gorgeous Melody completed the order of finish.

“She just knows how to win,” said Braddy. “They didn’t make it easy for her with the slow pace and being hung out wide. You have to be concerned, but she overcame it. The plan still is to stay here and probably make her next start in the Stage Door Betty in September.”