Kiss Moon edges I'm Already Sexy again in Ladies Turf

FRANKLIN, Ky. – When last they met in the Mint Julep at Churchill Downs, Kiss Moon narrowly edged favored I’m Already Sexy. On Saturday, “We got ‘em again,” said trainer Dave Vance.

Indeed, the result was no different in the $289,200 Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf, as Kiss Moon and jockey Corey Lanerie prevailed by a neck in a long drive over I’m Already Sexy. Sunset Glow was another three-quarters of a length back in third in a field of 10 fillies and mares.

Kiss Moon, a 4-year-old Malibu Moon filly, returned $12.60 as third choice after finishing the one-mile distance in 1:36.18 over a firm course. Now a winner in 6 of 16 career starts and an earner of $530,496, she was bred by her owner, Carl Pollard.

Vance said afterward he will consider the Grade 1 First Lady on Oct. 3 at Keeneland, “even though it’s a little quick back. She’s only run four times this year now. After that, all we’d really have is the Cardinal” in November at his home base, Churchill Downs.

I’m Already Sexy, the defending champion and 8-5 favorite, was eager to make the early lead under Julien Leparoux and was equal to the stretch challenges of Kiss Moon and Sunset Glow until yielding in the final yards.

Sunset Glow, winner of the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante last year, made a sustained outside bid under Kent Desormeaux before also giving way late in her first start against older horses.

The $2 exacta (7-5) paid $42, the $1 trifecta (7-5-1) returned $56.60, and the 10-cent superfecta (7-5-1-11) was worth $79.40.