Fabulous Brush is most fabulous in Bassinet

CINCINNATI - Fabulous Brush rolled to an impressive win Saturday in the $100,000 Bassinet Stakes at River Downs, adding to a sensational year for the stable of trainer Ken McPeek.

Fabulous Brush, ridden by Jose Martinez Jr., raced several lengths off a quick pace contested by Lilias Trotter and Miss Awesome before swooping past in midstretch to win by five lengths over Moonlight Sonata, the only maiden in a field of eight 2-year-old fillies. The winner paid $13.40 as the third wagering choice after finishing six furlongs in 1:11.40.

Crystal Dancer, the 6-5 favorite, moved into contention at the top of the stretch before settling for third, another 4 3/4 lengths back.

Fabulous Brush, a Cobra King filly owned by the Tiffany Farm of K.K. and Vilasini Jayaraman, was making her third start, having run in two maiden races at Ellis Park, winning the second one by 5 1/2 lengths.

Pat Daly, roving assistant to McPeek, said he and his boss have "always thought a lot of this filly. After she [recovered from] bucked shins in the spring, she really started to work bullets. Today she showed the dynamic speed she's always had."

Fabulous Brush was the latest stakes winner in a year in which McPeek has won major races with such runners as Sarava, Harlan's Holiday, Repent, Take Charge Lady, and Minister's Baby. The Kentucky Cup Juvenile Fillies at Turfway Park or the Alcibiades at Keeneland are possible next starts.