Keeneland: Flash Mash gets up just before wire in Giant's Causeway

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Flash Mash was up in the final jumps Saturday to pull a mild upset at 7-1 in the 16th running of the $100,000 Giant’s Causeway Stakes on the Keeneland turf.

With Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard for trainer Mike Stidham, Flash Mash was notching her first stakes victory in the Giant’s Causeway, a 5 1/2-furlong race that directly preceded the Coolmore Lexington Stakes on a cold and drizzly spring afternoon. The winner nailed Well Deserved in the final strides to prevail by a half-length, returning $17.40 after finishing in 1:03.19 over a course rated firm.

“We had a perfect trip,” said Hernandez. “Turning for home, I thought I’d get there. She put herself in perfect position.”

Inspired, the 9-5 favorite, set the pace, but nearing the sixteenth pole she finally was collared and passed by Well Deserved, ridden by Julien Leparoux. Meanwhile, Flash Mash, always in the clear when stalking from her far outside post, set sail with a vengeance, getting up in time for her fifth win from nine career starts. Classy Zip, the 4-1 second choice, was up late to get third from Inspired in the field of 10 fillies and mares. There were three early scratches: Speedacious, Honey Chile, and I Knot.

“She likes that stalking position and Brian rode her great,” said Stidham, who trains Flash Mash, a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred by Smarty Jones, for Prime Equestrian.

The $2 exacta (12-4) paid $204, the $1 trifecta (12-4-5) returned $455, and the dime superfecta (12-4-5-6) was worth $160.67.