Dak Attack and Kelly's Humor win Ellis Park juvenile stakes

Dak Attack and Kelly’s Humor both took big steps toward the next round of Breeders’ Cup preps when capturing seven-furlong stakes for 2-year-olds Sunday at Ellis Park in western Kentucky.

Dak Attack, ridden by Robby Albarado, won the $75,000 Ellis Park Juvenile by three lengths over 81-1 shot Northern Trail. Some 30 minutes earlier, Kelly’s Humor rallied to win the $75,000 Ellis Park Debutante over the two favorites, Upset Brewing and Sunny Skies.

Both horses remained undefeated in two career starts and are likely to make their next starts at their home track, Churchill Downs, on Sept. 16. Those races – the Grade 2 Pocahontas for fillies and the Grade 3 Iroquois for colts and geldings – not only are Win and You’re In events toward the Nov. 3-4 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, but also the first points races toward the 2018 Kentucky Oaks and Derby.

Dak Attack ($6.20) is one of several promising 2-year-old colts trained by Dale Romans for the Albaugh Family Stables. After settling into stride from his outside post, Dak Attack, by Ghostzapper, glided past Northern Trail inside the furlong pole to win in 1:22.96 over a fast track. Ten City, the 7-10 favorite, was another 1 3/4 lengths back in third in a field of 11.

“It was a big race for him,” said Albarado. “I was able to dictate where I wanted to be and let the race unfold in front of me. It worked out well.”

Kelly’s Humor ($24.40), ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan, also came from off the pace when facing 10 other fillies, finishing in 1:24.63. The daughter of Midnight Lute won her only prior start, an off-the-turf mile last month at Ellis.

“She’s still learning,” said Brad Cox, who trains Kelly’s Humor for Ike and Dawn Thrash. “I can’t say we expected her to win, but she stepped up. Shaun kept her out of trouble and she finished up really well.”

Upset Brewing, the 13-10 favorite, was a length being the winner and another 1 1/4 lengths before previously unbeaten Sunny Skies, the 8-5 second choice.

The Juvenile and Debutante were the last stakes at a 31-day meet that runs through Sept. 4.