Proctor’s Ledge edges On Leave in Churchill Distaff Turf Mile

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Trainer Brendan Walsh admitted the steady rains that began falling about an hour before Saturday’s $300,000 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile shook his confidence level just a bit regarding the chances of his two-time graded stakes winner Proctor’s Ledge. But those worries proved unfounded after Proctor’s Ledge parlayed a perfect trip under John Velazquez into a half-length victory over On Leave in the Grade 2 fixture for fillies and mares.

Proctor’s Ledge came into the Distaff Turf Mile winless in three starts since registering a pair of graded stakes victories last summer at Saratoga. But two of those losses came in Grade 1 races, both at Keeneland, including the Jenny Wiley just three weeks earlier when she finished a non-threatening eighth while having her best chances compromised somewhat by a very wide trip.

But Proctor’s Ledge wound up with a perfect run under Velazquez who angled her down into the two path while well placed in the run around the opening turn. Proctor’s Ledge saved ground leaving the backstretch, eased out for the drive, and accelerated readily once settling into the stretch, ultimately running down On Leave near the sixteenth pole before edging away at the end.

On Leave stalked the early pace of the outsider Psycho Sister, readily gained control a quarter-mile out, edged clear, but was unable to resist the winner when challenged. Dream Awhile, the tepid 7-2 favorite, rallied belatedly to finish third, a length beind On Leave, after being shuffled back some in traffic during the middle stages of the race.

Proctor’s Ledge is a homebred daughter of Ghostzapper owned by Patricia Moseley. She returned $15.80 after completing the mile over what was still labeled firm ground in 1:36.30, which translated to a 103 Beyer Speed Figure.

“I walked the course twice this morning, and it was beautiful ground, but once it started raining I became a little concerned, I can’t deny that because generally she does her best running on fast ground,” Walsh said. “It was still very good out there, but they are kicking the top off. Johnny gave her a great ride. She’s a very good filly when she’s right. I don’t think she likes Keeneland, for whatever reason. Three times she’s run there, and three times she’s run below par. But she showed what kind of filly she was today. We’re delighted.”

Walsh said his main goal for Proctor’s Ledge would likely be the Grade 1 Diana this summer at Saratoga.