Ladyledue remains unbeaten

AUBURN, Wash. - Maintaining her perfect record, Ladyledue scored a popular and hard-earned victory Saturday in the $30,000 Inaugural Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs.

Sent off at 1-2 odds, the front-running Ladyledue carved out fast fractions - 22.00, 44.40, 56.40 -- while dueling with two adversaries, spurted to a clear lead inside the final furlong and had just enough in reserve to prevail by a head over fast-closing Where I Belong. Ladyledue completed the six furlongs in 1:09.40 and paid $3.20. Seeking Ema was another half-length behind in third.

Ladyledue is unbeaten in three starts - all stakes races - for owner Jon Sather and trainer Bonnie Jenne. Ricky Frazier, who rode Ladyledue to victories in the Knights Choice and Diane Kem Stakes at Emerald Downs in 2008, was in the saddle again Saturday. A Washington-bred by Slewdledo, Ladyledue earned $16,500 to increase her earnings to $66,761. She was a $15,500 yearling purchase in 2007.

Jenne said Ladyledue would run next in the 6 1/2-furlong, $50,000 Federal Way Handicap on May 24.