Monmouth: Keeneland Kat overcomes start

Kelly Breen dropped his program when Keeneland Kat got away poorly in the $100,000 Sorority Stakes.

"Not too many 2-year-old fillies come running from that far back," the trainer said.

But then, this could be a very special filly.

Overcoming the tardy start, Keeneland Kat was full of run in the lane to win Monmouth's top event for juvenile fillies.

Keeneland Kat ($9) ran the six furlongs over the fast track in 1:11.23 and won by 2 1/2 lengths over Unobstructed View, with Pure Disco third.

"She's a runner," said a hoarse but happy Breen, who lost his voice rooting the filly home.

An unbeaten daughter of Hennessy, Keeneland Kat debuted impressively at Monmouth on July 23, winning by 6 3/4 lengths.

The Sorority was her first major test and she passed impressively.

Jockey Stewart Elliott hoped to be laying closer. Keeneland Kat had other ideas.

"She just got away slow," Elliott said. "It's a never a good feeling when that happens but I just kind of left her alone."

At the top of the lane, Elliott angled the filly to the outside and Keeneland Kat kicked in.

"When we turned for home, she really started running," Elliott said. "I was pretty confident we could get them.

Gaining momentum with every jump, Keeneland Kat flew through the lane for the emphatic victory, showing much promise.

"I believe she's a Grade 1 quality horse," Breen said. "We'll have to see what path we take with her."