Chancery Way ($22.40) runs away with Bear Fan Stakes

An easy lead helped Chancery Way win her stakes debut, and remain unbeaten after four starts, in Saturday’s $77,250 Bear Fan Stakes for California-bred female sprinters at Golden Gate Fields.

Ridden by Kevin Radke for his third win of the day, Chancery Way set fractions of 22.20 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 44.53 for a half-mile, leading by a length on the backstretch.

Chancery Way ($22.40) was unchallenged through the stretch and won by 1 1/4 lengths over even-money Big Summer, who finished a head in front of 9-1 Tam’s Little Angel.

Sheza Girly Girl finished fourth, followed by All Dialed In, Luxury Liner, Tip Top Gal, Carolina Mia, Hot Rageous, and Exactly Wendy.

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Owned by Andy and Rob Smolich, Chancery Way was timed in 1:09.89 and earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 79. The race scenario changed considerably in the moments before the start when Lagatha was withdrawn at the gate. Lagatha, winner of a $25,000 claimer on Nov. 25, was expected to be part of the pace.

The Bear Fan Stakes was Chancery Way’s fourth win, and first start against California-breds. A 3-year-old filly by Mr. Big, Chancery Way won a maiden special weight race at six furlongs in her debut at Golden Gate Fields in June, an allowance race at six furlongs at Pleasanton on July 3, and an allowance race at a mile at Sacramento on July 23.

Chancery Way has earned $110,520 in her four starts.

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