Pimlico: Bold Affair changes tactics to take Primonetta

Bold Affair proved she doesn’t need the lead to win.

Unlike her wire-to-wire romp in the restricted Conniver Stakes a month ago, Bold Affair waited until the stretch to unleash her best run Saturday and drew off to a three-length score in the $75,000 Primonetta Stakes at Pimlico.

Sent off the even-money favorite in a field six fillies and mares, the 4-year-old Bold Affair ($4) was third early behind Valiant Passion and Enchante. Jockey Abel Castellano Jr. asked Bold Affair to challenge the leader with a quarter-mile remaining in the six-furlong sprint. Bold Affair gained command in midstretch and was hand ridden to the wire, completing the distance in 1:10.67. She has now won 6 of 10 start lifetime, including three stakes.

“I was right behind the speed and I just let her do her own," Castellano said. "She did it well. As soon as I got to the front, she was much the best. She keeps getting better and better. I am looking for her to have a big year.”

Aquitania finished second and Enchante was third.

Chip Reed, who owns the 4-year-old Bold Affair in partnership with Mike Zanella, said there was some concern because the filly drew post 1 for the second straight race.

“We were a little worried about the one-hole. She has a tendency to get a little bit shy if another horse gets outside of her,” Reed said. “But she ran another big one today.”

Trainer Howard Wolfendale said Bold Affair will run next in the $125,000 Skipat Stakes on Black-Eyed Susan Day, Friday May 18.