Harlan's Destiny scores in Casey Memorial for fourth straight victory

Harlan’s Destiny won her fourth straight race and completed a sweep of the three stakes at Charles Town for 2-year-old West Virginia-bred fillies in the Eleanor Casey Memorial on Saturday night.

Owned and bred by James F. Miller, Harlan’s Destiny has not been beaten since finishing third in her career debut at Arlington Park. Based with trainer Wayne Catalano in Kentucky, Harlan’s Destiny had won the Rachel’s Turn Stakes and the West Virginia Triple Crown Nutrition Breeders’ Classic in her first two trips to Charles Town.

In the seven-furlong Casey Memorial, Harlan’s Destiny was content to stalk the early leader Lady Jillet in third position. When Country Mama, racing just inside Harlan’s Destiny, moved to the lead nearing the final turn, Harlan’s Destiny stayed with her. Harlan’s Destiny took the lead from the outside entering the stretch and proved 1 1/4 lengths the best under jockey Channing Hill.

It was 13 1/4 lengths back from Country Mama to the third-place finisher Dynamizzen, who also is owned and bred by Miller and who is trained by Keturah Obed-Letts. Lady Jillet tired to finish last in the 10-horse field.

Harlan’s Destiny paid $2.40 as the 1-5 favorite and was timed in 1:27.09 following fractions of 23.88, 48.08, and 1:13.41.

Harlan’s Destiny is a daughter of the late Harlan’s Holiday out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Mantekilla. In her start prior to the Casey, Harlan’s Destiny had won an allowance race on the Stars of Tomorrow card at Churchill Downs.