With hoof healed, Honor Way returns in Distaff Handicap

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Honor Way ended her 6-year-old season in career-best form with stakes wins in the Pumpkin Pie and Garland of Roses.

After suffering a bruised foot while training toward the Interborough in January, trainer Charlton Baker opted to give her the winter off.

Friday, Honor Way will make her 7-year-old debut in the Grade 3, $150,000 Distaff Handicap. Honor Way drew the rail in a field of five that includes Paris Lights, who is making her first start since winning the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks last July at Saratoga.

Honor Way has had a steady work tab in March with five breezes, including a six-furlong move in 1:15.82 on March 22 followed by a five-furlong move in 1:02.12 last Saturday.

“I think I’ve got what I wanted to run her, she’s come back along pretty good,” Baker said.

:: Bet horse racing on DRF Bets. Double Your First Deposit Up to $250. Join Now.

Jose Ortiz rides Honor Way from the rail.

Lady Kate, second to Monomoy Girl in last year’s Grade 1 La Troienne at Churchill Downs, was supplemented to the Distaff by trainer Eddie Kenneally and Anderson Stables. She will be making her first start since running last in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Nov. 7.

Portal Creek, second to Lake Avenue in the Heavenly Prize, and Kansas Kis, third in the Correction, complete the field.