Cap Classique remains undefeated with Smart Halo victory

Cap Classique ($6.60) remained unbeaten from three lifetime starts after a professional rail-skimming victory in the Smart Halo at Laurel Park on Saturday.

Her trainer, Brittany Russell, seemed nonplussed earlier in the week when asked about the inside post position for her Vino Rosso filly.

“I don’t think she’ll mind taking dirt,” Russell said. “She’s a classy, honest filly.”

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Russell was proven correct after Cap Classique saved ground at the back of the pack under jockey Jevian Toledo as Miss Harriett and favored Deboisblanc sparred through fractions of 22.67 and 46.51 seconds.

Cap Classique raced in behind horses as Deboisblanc turned for home with the lead, but Toledo spied an opening along the inside, and sent Cap Classique on through in upper stretch.

Cap Classique had all the late momentum and drove home to prevail by 1 1/4 lengths over Deboisblanc in 1:12.09. Miss Justify finished another 1 1/2 lengths behind in third. Then came Caress, Miss Harriett, Roanan Goddess, Princess Indy, and Low Mileage.

Ms. Tart was withdrawn earlier in the day. Vicountess was scratched by the veterinarian in the paddock.

Bred in Kentucky by Cypress Creek Equine and Three Diamonds Farm, Cap Classique sold for $110,000 as a yearling before being purchased for $145,000 this May by David Ross's DARRS INC.

She is a half-sister to Grade 3-placed dirt sprinter Assertive Style out of Sca Doodle, a Scat Daddy mare that was stakes-placed sprinting on turf.

Russell believes that Cap Classique will successfully stretch out in distance and mentioned a race like the Gin Talking Stakes at seven furlongs on Dec. 30 as a potential next start.

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