Exotic Bloom rallies to My Charmer victory

Exotic Bloom rallied in the final furlong to spoil the return of a former Brazilian champion, Celtic Princess, posting a neck victory Saturday in the $50,000 My Charmer Stakes at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky.

With Miguel Mena riding for trainer Fred Seitz, Exotic Bloom split horses inside the furlong pole after tracking the pace from a few lengths behind. Celtic Princess, making her first start in more than two years after being the top 2-year-old filly in Brazil in 2006-07, had wrested command with a sustained rail run, but Exotic Bloom nailed her in the final yards.

Exotic Bloom, a 5-year-old Florida-bred mare, returned $14.80 as third choice in a field of 11 fillies and mares. She finished 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.31 over Polytrack.

Danzon, the 4-1 second choice, finished a length behind Celtic Princess, a 14-1 shot, while Seniga, who alternated on the lead to midstretch, held well to be fourth. Miss Lombardi, the 9-5 favorite, was never a serious threat when sixth.

Exotic Bloom is owned by Seitz and Harvey Clarke. She now has won 6 of 20 starts and earned $254,856. Her richest victory came in July in the $100,000 Windward Stakes at Presque Isle Downs.