Insta Erma no worse for stumble in First Lady

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The first couple of steps for Insta Erma in the First Lady on Saturday produced perhaps the most vivid images of opening weekend at Keeneland. Somehow, some way, Tyler Gaffalione stayed aboard the 5-year-old mare when she stumbled badly out of post 1.

No other horses were affected, and although she was never a serious factor at 23-1, Insta Erma persisted to finish a decent sixth of nine, beaten just 3 1/4 lengths. She came out of the race no worse for wear, according to Aimee Dollase, assistant to trainer Richard Baltas.

“Credit to her for still trying the way she did,” said Dollase.

Things went much better a little later in the day for Baltas, who upset the $1 million Shadwell Turf Mile with another 23-1 shot, Next Shares.

Short and long alike

Although favorites won nine of the first 31 races (29 percent) at this meet – including Promises Fulfilled ($3.40), Restless Rider ($4.60), and Bucchero ($8.40) in FallStars Weekend stakes – longshots had their say, too.

Besides Next Shares ($48.80) and Knicks Go ($142), other pricey winners in the first three days of racing included Fun Paddy ($110.60) and She’s a Lucky One ($67.20) on Friday. In all, there were six winners at double-digit odds, and 13 of the 31 winners went off 7-1 or higher.

◗ Keeneland officials said Saturday handle of $619,106 in the late pick five and $742,450 in the late pick four both are track records for those respective wagers.