Honey Hues wires Ellis Park Turf Stakes

Honey Hues validated her recent win in a graded race when dominating the 10th running of the $50,000 Ellis Park Turf Stakes on Saturday in Henderson, Ky.

Always in control after breaking from the rail with Jesus Castanon up, Honey Hues led every step of the 1 1/16-mile race in prevailing by a measured length as a solid favorite. She returned $4.40 after finishing in 1:41.77 over a firm course.

The triumph for Honey Hues came four weeks after she pulled a 13-1 upset in the Grade 3 Mint Julep over the Churchill Downs turf. Saturday’s win was her 10th from 21 career starts and was worth $30,000 to owners LTB Inc. and Miles Childers, lifting her career bankroll to $325,058. Bernie Flint trains the 5-year-old Henny Hughes mare.

Gal About Town did all the chasing before holding second, three-quarters of a length before Faerie Queen in a field of seven fillies and mares. Then came Zadina, Miz Ida, Midnight Ballet, and Fashion City. Moon Angel and Sassy Kitten were early scratches.

The $2 exacta (1-4) paid $28.60, the $1 trifecta (1-4-3) returned $41.10, and the 10-cent superfecta (1-4-3-6) was worth $16.87.

The Ellis Turf was the first of four stakes at a 29-day meet that runs through Sept. 1. The next one, the $50,000 Don Bernhardt, is set for July 19. The meet highlight, the Grade 3, $100,000 Gardenia, will be run Aug. 9.