Fugitive Angel roars home to win Valley View

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Fugitive Angel, with Rosie Napravnik riding for Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, unleashed a furious stretch run on Friday to win easily in the 20th running of the Grade 3, $150,000 Pin Oak Valley View Stakes at Keeneland.

Prevailing as the third choice in a full field of 12 3-year-old turf fillies, Fugitive Angel was winning her fourth straight race after racing in restricted company in Pennsylvania, where she was bred by her owner, George Strawbridge Jr. of Augustin Stable.

Fugitive Angel, a bay filly by Alphabet Soup, returned $11.60 after finishing the 1 1/16-mile distance in 1:44.10 over a firm turf.

"She broke a little bit slow," said the Maryland-based Napravnik. "But she was very relaxed, which is the objective with her. She was ready when I called on her. She's a lovely horse."

Ice Mist, the race-long leader at 20-1 under Jesus Castanon, finished second, 3 3/4 lengths behind the winner and another length before No Explaining, the 3-1 second choice who enjoyed a good stalking trip under John Velazquez. Neon Light, the 5-2 favorite, had no mishap when finishing 10th.

Augustin, Sheppard, and Napravnik also teamed earlier Friday to win a first-level turf allowance with homebred Kitty Love ($12.60).

Ontrack attendance on another terrific autumn afternoon was 16,189.