Eight Belles goes to Victoria's Wildcat

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Taking advantage of a fast and contested pace, Victoria's Wildcat rallied from well back on the outside through the stretch to post a going-away victory in the $100,000 Eight Belles Stakes.

With Kent Desormeaux aboard, Victoria's Wildcat scored by about three lengths, completing the seven furlongs over a fast main track in 1:23.06. She paid $15.20.

Home Sweet Aspen, who emerged from a group of six horses to set a fast pace through fractions of 22.02 and 44.57, held gamely after being displaced by the winner to save second narrowly over Honey Chile, who went up to battle with Home Sweet Aspen on the far turn. Angelica Zapata finished fourth.

Arienza, the 5-2 favorite off her second to Kentucky Oaks favorite Joyful Victory, was closely placed along the inside early, but backed off on the turn.

Victoria's Wildcat, a daughter of Bellamy Road, was making her stakes debut Friday and was winning her third straight start.