Cherokee Queen draws clear in Dr. Penny

The Florida-based mare Cherokee Queen registered the biggest victory of her 21-race career Monday when she drew clear in the stretch to capture the $200,000

at Philadelphia Park.

Ridden by Julien Leparoux, Cherokee Queen ($6) sat about a length behind pacesetter Talike Me through the first six furlongs in 1:11.56. Cherokee Queen drew even just past the quarter pole, open up a two-length lead with a furlong remaining and was three lengths in front of Chestoria at the wire after completing 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:41.33.

The 5-year-old Cherokee Queen, based at Calder with trainer Marty Wolfson, has now won three stakes, including two since May, but both her previous listed victories came in races worth about $50,000. Overall, she is 6 for 21 lifetime and 4 for 16 on turf.

Chestoria, fourth in this race last year, rallied from last in a field of six fillies and mares to get second, a length in front of Quiet Meadow, the 8-5 favorite. Scolara, third in last year's Dr. Penny, finished fourth at 3-1.