Dorth Vader takes Sandpiper Stakes

Dorth Vader won the second stakes race of her young career Saturday when she darted to a 2 1/4-length victory over Awesome Pic in the $100,000 Sandpiper at Tampa Bay Downs.

It was another 2 1/2 lengths back in third to favorite Lady Radler.

The Sandpiper, for fillies, was the first of two stakes on the card for 2-year-olds. The races were for open company, but Florida-breds who met certain eligibility requirements ran for the maximum purse of $100,000. Otherwise, the purse was $50,000.

Dorth Vader, a Florida-bred daughter of Girvin, ran for the full purse and earned $80,000 for the victory, according to the chart of the race. She broke on top and settled in third off leader Lady Radler, who took the field through an opening quarter in 22.04 seconds and a half-mile in 44.92. The eventual winner advanced on the turn, came four wide into the stretch, and moved to the fore soon afterward. Dorth Vader ($5.80) went on to cover six furlongs in hand in 1:09.35. The track was fast.

Marcos Meneses was aboard for trainer Michael Yates.

John Ropes bred and owns Dorth Vader, who has now won 3 of 5 starts for earnings of $205,228.

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