Distaff Turf: Stylish strong at finish

LOUISVILLE, Ky - Prince Ahmed bin Salman had great fun a few hours before watching his new purchase, War Emblem, win the Kentucky Derby. Three races earlier, Salman was in the middle of a joyous winner's circle following an emphatic victory by Stylish in the $115,200 Citgo Distaff Turf Mile.

Stylish, ridden by Jerry Bailey and trained by Bill Mott, returned $9 after coming from mid-pack to win the Grade 3, one-mile turf race by 1 1/4 lengths over La Recherche. Dianehill, part of an entry favored at 5-2, was just another head back in third in a field of 10 fillies and mares.

"She's best at a mile, maybe 1 1/16 miles," said Mott, who on Friday won the Edgewood Stakes with Mariziola, ridden by Bailey. "I don't know if we want to go much beyond that."

Over firm turf, No Deadline set the pace, followed closely by La Recherche. Down the stretch, La Recherche forged to a short lead under Robby Albarado, but she was no match for Stylish's strong rally.

Stylish, a 4-year-old Thunder Gulch filly bred by the late Allen Paulson, now has won 4 of 13 starts, with the Distaff Turf marking her first stakes win. She finished in 1:35.72.

"She is a nice filly," said Salman. "I don't know what is next. All I know is she will be married [bred] to Royal Anthem sometime," referring to his world-class turf sire.