Emily Ring romps

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Emily Ring won her third straight stakes Saturday when she led throughout for a 3 1/4-length win over Princess Jen in the at Oaklawn Park. It was another two lengths back to Southern Tour in third.

The field was reduced to four starters with the scratch of Lake Charles. As a result there was no show or trifecta wagering.

Emily Ring ($3.80) broke sharply under James Lopez, and led the field through fractions of 21.80 seconds for the opening quarter and 45 for the half before covering the six furlongs for fillies and mares over a fast track in 1:10.10.

Emily Ring races for Mike Anderson Thoroughbreds, and is trained by Blackie Huffman. She improved her record to 8 wins from 22 starts and now has earnings of $305,265.

Prior to the American Beauty, Emily Ring had won the $50,000 Holiday Inaugural at Turfway and the $75,000 New Year's Eve at Mountaineer.

Crafty Shaw wins comeback

Crafty Shaw, beaten a head by Lido Palace Nov. 29 at Churchill Downs in the Grade 2, $400,000 Clark, won his first start since that race Saturday when he rolled to a 1 1/4-length win at 1-5 in the first race, a $60,000 optional claimer.

He created a $65,137 minus show pool, and paid $2.40, $2.20 and $2.20.

Crafty Shaw settled a few lengths off the early pace, took the lead at the top of the stretch and went on to cover 1 1/16 miles over a wet-fast track in 1:43.40.

James Lopez rode the winner for owner Charles Cella and trainer Pete Vestal.

Crafty Shaw has now won 10 of 21 starts and earned $521,455. Vestal said the horse will start next in the Grade 3, $100,000 Essex at Oaklawn on Feb. 22.