R Heat Lightning rallies to Davona Dale victory

R Heat Lightning, with John Velazquez up, rallied up the rail and quickly drew off to a convincing triumph Saturday in the 24th running of the Grade 2, $250,000 Davona Dale Stakes at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

R Heat Lightning, making her second start of the year after finishing second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies last fall, returned $7 as second choice in a field of eight 3-year-old fillies. Dancinginherdreams, the 6-5 favorite, had a perfect stalking trip but finished about five lengths behind the winner, narrowly besting Pomeroys Pistol for second. Oh Carole was fourth.

R Heat Lightning, a Florida-bred daughter of Trippi, finished the one-turn mile distance in 1:36.25 over a fast track after splits of 23.92, 46.53, and 1:10.77. She is owned by the Paul Robsham Stables and is trained by Todd Pletcher.

The $2 exacta (5-9) paid $20.20 , and the $1 trifecta (5-9-8) returned $36.30.