Classic Ramona refuses to lose

Classic Ramona led to upper stretch in the $73,600 Richmond at Hoosier Park on Saturday afternoon before being headed by Brean Can. Jockey Emanuel Cosme then asked Classic Ramona for her best, and she responded, drawing clear late to win the 1 1/16-mile event by a length.

Trained by David Paulus, Classic Ramona set quick early fractions in the Richmond, covering the first quarter-mile in 22.20 seconds and the half in 46.60. The winner appeared beaten in the stretch when Brean Can, the second-place finisher, closed fast and headed her, but she drew clear late in a game effort. Racey Gracey came from far back early to take the show spot, 3 1/2 lengths behind Brean Can.

Classic Ramona, a 4-year-old daughter of Crown Ambassador, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1.44.60 and returned $16 to win.