Kentucky Downs: To My Valentine by a head in Ladies Sprint

FRANKLIN, Ky. – Longtime Southern California rider David Flores shifted his tack to Kentucky this fall, in large part because of the lucrative purses at Kentucky Downs.

On Saturday, opening day at Kentucky Downs, it immediately paid off, with the veteran jockey winning two of the first seven races at the all-turf track, including the $130,937 Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint on To My Valentine.

To My Valentine, a 3-year-old filly by Dyhim Diamond who raced in France as a juvenile last year, used her speed to prove victorious in the Ladies Sprint.

Flores put her on the lead, kept plenty in reserve, and was able to turn back a stretch bid from Magical Moon to win by a head. To My Valentine raced 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.15 on a firm turf course that played quickly throughout a warm, sunny afternoon. She paid $9.

Wesley Ward trained the winner for Ice Wine Stable.

Soft Whisper finished third, 5 1/2 lengths behind the top two, and was followed by New Wave another four lengths back in fourth.

Cat Lore was scratched.