Delaware: Katzen pulls off upset

The public wasn't impressed by Katzen's 3-for-4 record on turf and allowed the 3-year-old filly to go off at 18-1 in the $101,200 Christiana Stakes at Delaware Park.

Katzen proved her record was no fluke by drawing off to a 2 1/4-length win over 9-5 favorite Affirmed Dancer. Her time for 1 1/8 miles on firm turf was 1:50.31.

Ridden for the first time by Oliver Castillo for trainer Steve Klesaris, Katzen ($38.80) finished last in her only previous stakes race on Aug. 31. Previously, she won three straight grass races at Delaware and Monmouth.

"She ran real nice, and Steve really had her ready," Castillo said. "Early in the race, it took a little bit of time to calm her down a bit. After that, I was just biding my time and looking to see where I could go. She totally responded. When I asked her to give me everything, she just exploded down the lane."

Klesaris said he was uncertain where Katzen would make her next start.