Golden Sonata wins Oaklawn BC at 30-1

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Golden Sonata rallied from more than 15 lengths off the pace to post a 30-1 upset in the Grade 3, $200,000 on Saturday. Keys to the Heart finished a 1 3/4 lengths back in second, while it was another three-quarters of a length in third to Mayo on the Side.

Spectacular Lisa, the favorite, finished fourth in the field of 10.

Golden Sonata ($60.60) trailed the field early in the 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares while Small Promises and My Trusty Cat dueled through an opening half-mile in 46.90 seconds. Golden Sonata still did not have a horse beat at the quarter pole, but swept past the leaders under a hand ride in the stretch, and covered the distance in 1:44.32.

"When she kicks, she kicks," said Carlos Marquez Jr., who rode Golden Sonata for trainer Morris Nicks.

Golden Sonata earned $120,000 for the win, which was her sixth from 18 career starts. Her earnings now stand at $278,811.

James Spence bred and owns Golden Sonata and said she will be considered for the Grade 1, $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn on April 3.

Golden Sonata's win in the Oaklawn BC was her second stakes victory in her last three starts. She captured the $60,000 Truly Bound at Fair Grounds on Jan. 4.

Attendance at Oaklawn was 19,496.