Euphony returns with a win in Bayakoa

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.-Euphony just keeps winning. She picked up her fourth consecutive stakes win on Wednesday in the $100,000 Bayakoa at Oaklawn Park, improving her local record to 4 for 4. The win came in Euphony's first start since October.

"That was cool," said Josephine Abercrombie, who bred and owns Euphony.

Euphony settled in midpack early in the Bayakoa as Devil House set a pressured pace, turning fractions of 22.71 seconds for the opening quarter, 45.93 for the half-mile and 1:10.63 for six furlongs. Euphony was determined through the stretch, closing for a three-quarter-length win over Distinctive Dixie while covering the 1 1/16 miles for fillies and mares in 1:44.15.

Cliff Berry rode Euphony for trainer Donnie Von Hemel. Euphony, who won the first three starts of her career last season at Oaklawn, was making her first start since winning the $75,000 Remington Park Oaks on Oct. 18. She had turned in a strong series of works at Oaklawn for her return in the Bayakoa.

"I was more worried about the competition than whether she was ready or not," Von Hemel said. "It was a very good field."

Von Hemel said Euphony could make her next start in the Grade 3, $150,000 Matron at Arlington Park on May 23.

Euphony earned $60,000 for her win in the Bayakoa. Her record now stands at 7 wins from 9 starts for earnings of $287,200. She is a daughter of Forest Wildcat.