Island Fashion triumphs in Lady's Secret

ARCADIA, Calif. - Rebounding from an unsuccessful trip to Japan and a four-month layoff, Island Fashion won her second major stakes of the year in Sunday's $235,000 .

The win came after Island Fashion fought through a grueling stretch run with Elloluv. Island Fashion won by a half-length over Miss Loren, who rallied from last in a field of seven to finish second, a head in front of Elloluv. Summer Wind Dancer, the 6-5 favorite, finished fourth.

Island Fashion, who races for Jeff Nielsen, finished 1 1-16 miles in 1:43.43 and returned $7.40.

Ridden by Kerwin John, Island Fashion was always near the front. She was fourth on the backstretch, a length behind pacesetter Barbara Orr, and tugged her way to the front on the final turn.

"She kind of moved on her own, so I wasn't worried," John said. "I put her on the outside on the backstretch and she grabbed the bit."

With a three-wide move, Island Fashion took the lead over Elloluv, but needed the entire stretch before she gained an advantage. "When she gets in a fight, she'll fight back," trainer Marcelo Polanco said.

The Grade 2 Lady's Secret BC Handicap marked Island Fashion's first start since a 16th in the $1.6 million Yasuda Kinen against males in Japan in June.

Island Fashion, 4, has won 6 of 15 starts and $1,637,970. Island Fashion is bound for the $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff at Lone Star Park on Oct. 30.

Earlier this year, she won the Santa Monica Handicap and finished second in the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap against males.

"She's put on at least 50 pounds since Japan," Polanco said. "She's got quite a few favorite tracks. I hope one is Lone Star."