Joyful Ballad best in Wayward Lass

OLDSMAR, Fla. - Slipping through along the inside through the far turn, Joyful Ballad was able to swing to the middle of the track turning for home and rally past favored Slews Final Answer for a convincing 2 1/4-length victory in the 27th running of the $60,000 Wayward Lass Stakes on Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs.

Under a skillful ride by Jose Lezcano, Joyful Ballad kept her record perfect at Tampa as she scored her fourth win from as many local starts - three main-track victories and a turf win.

Slews Final Answer, who had also gotten through along the rail to gain the lead leaving the second turn of the 1 1/16-mile feature, resisted the winner for a time in the drive but had to settle for second, almost five lengths to the good of Manatee Stakes winner Grab Bag. Double Scoop faded to fourth after setting the pace for six furlongs.

Trained by Tom Proctor, Joyful Ballad returned $11.60 while covering the distance in 1:44.71.