With no Uni to beat, Marina's Legacy easily wins Frances Slocum
Marina’s Legacy ran below form in the 2017 and 2018 renewals of the $150,000 Frances Slocum Stakes but broke through with a comfortable win in Wednesday’s edition of the 1 1/16-mile dirt race for older Indiana-bred fillies and mares.
Marina’s Legacy made a surprisingly easy lead in a race that appeared to have several pace factors and galloped to a 3 ½-length victory in the Frances Slocum, the final start of her career on the last day of the 2019 Indiana Grand meeting.
Favored Expect Indy made a run at the winner but could make no late headway while checking in 1 ¾ lengths in front of third-place Magical Peapod. Marina’s Legacy, plunging in class from the Grade 1 First Lady on turf at Keeneland, a race won by Breeders’ Cup Mile heroine Uni, was timed in 1:44.93 over a fast main track and paid $8.20 to win. Jesus Castanon rode her to victory for trainer Ethan West and owner-breeder Bone Doctors Stable.
Five-year-old Marina’s Legacy mainly has made her name on turf, banking nearly $250,000 while winning four grass races, but occasionally has produced a top dirt race as well, though she finished fourth in the 2018 Slocum and seventh two years ago. Marina’s Legacy is by Divine Park (same sire as noted grass runner Lady Eli) and out of Marina, by Theatrical.
Marina’s Legacy ran a couple ticks faster in the Slocum than Mystery Unbridled did a race later winning the $150,000 To Much Coffee Stakes, which has the same race conditions as the Slocum sans the sex restriction. Mystery Unbridled ($19.60) alternated on a solid pace with Flowerpecker, put the speed rival away, and came back in deep stretch after a big move off the turn propelled 9-5 favorite Operation Stevie to a brief midstretch lead. Mystery Unbridled got his nose down at the wire as the top pair pulled well clear of third-place Solitaire Game. Mystery Unbridled was timed in 1:45.13 for his 1 1/16 miles on a fast track.
Michael Weaver trains Mystery Unbridled for Tami and James Eads and Dianna Weaver. Mystery Unbridled, by Unbridled Express out of First Mystery, by Mystery Storm, finished 12th in this race a year ago and notched the best win of his career Wednesday.
An upset and a favorite
Copper Nickel posted a $43.60 upset in the $100,000 Miss Indiana while Mai Tai’s Gem was a popular winner of the $100,000 Indiana Futurity on Tuesday at Indiana Grand. Mai Tai’s Gem ($5) was ridden by DeShawn Parker for trainer Antonio Duran and owner Rancho Monarca. The 2-year-old gelding is by Gemologist out of Lil Mai Tai, by Lil E. Tee. Copper Nickel was nearly 21-1 but won like a strong favorite, taking the lead after six furlongs and pulling away to win by 4 ¼ lengths over 17-10 favorite Lady Ally. Jon Court rode the winner for trainer Mike Lauer and owners Frank Brown, Mike South, and Doris Book. Copper Nickel is by Stroll out of Ms. Purr by Sir Cat.