Oxy Lady scores big upset in Tempted Stakes

Oxy Lady was given a ground-saving, pocket trip by jockey Declan Cannon in the Grade 3 Tempted at Aqueduct on Friday. When he wheeled her outside for the stretch run, she was full of energy and pulled away to score by five lengths as a 36-1 outsider.

The Tempted was the fourth career win and first in a stakes for trainer Jack Sisterson, who served as an assistant to Doug O'Neill for eight years before accepting a position as private trainer for the Calumet Farm of Brad Kelley in May.

"All credit to Declan," Sisterson said. "We couldn't see much from our view, but the way she finished was strong, and we're very pleased with that.

"As long as she comes out well, we'll leave all options open."

Oxy Lady is a 2-year-old Calumet homebred sired by the farm's 2013 Preakness winner, Oxbow, who stands at Calumet. The Tempted was Oxy Lady's fourth career start. She finished second by a neck in her debut at Indiana Grand and then won a Belterra Park maiden race by 5 3/4 lengths.

Sisterson added blinkers to Oxy Lady's equipment for the Tempted after she loomed a threat in a Keeneland allowance but finished third, beaten a head.

With the fog intensifying at Aqueduct, Takecharge Mirella went to the lead in the $150,000 Tempted. She was prompted from the outside by Surge of Pride, while Enliven raced just off that pair three wide. Oxy Lady settled down along the inside while surrounded by that group.

Entering the stretch of the one-mile race, Enliven surged to the front and looked headed to victory, but Cannon took Oxy Lady farther out onto the track, and she was up to seize control in midstretch. Oxy Lady paid $75 to win while covering the distance in 1:38.88.

"She's very straightforward and has a good cruising speed," Cannon said. "She kind of looks around when she gets to the front, which is why I wanted to play that card last. It worked out perfect today. I had a stalking trip, and she answered my call when I asked for her."

Enliven was clearly second-best, seven lengths ahead of Surge of Pride, who held third by 1 1/2 lengths over Takecharge Mirella in fourth.

Brucia La Terra, who in her last start finished second to Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Jaywalk in the Grade 1 Frizette, was sent off the 3-5 favorite. Her chances were badly compromised when she ducked out sharply at the start from the outside stall.

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