Rapid Racer rolls in Gowell Stakes

Rapid Racer rebounded off a poor effort on dirt when forcing all the pace and emerging victorious Saturday in the at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky.

With John McKee aboard, Rapid Racer returned $15.80 after finishing 1 3/4 lengths clear of Henry's Posse in a field of 12 2-year-old fillies. Offlee Funny rallied late to be third, another 4 3/4 lengths back.

Rapid Racer, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Forest Wildcat, completed six furlongs in 1:10.97 over Polytrack. After winning a maiden sprint over the Keeneland Polytrack in her second career start, the gray filly finished last of nine in a Nov. 28 allowance on the Churchill Downs main track. But she returned to top form Saturday, breaking sharply to contend for the early lead before allowing Oceans of Honey and Henry's Posse to set the pace. Rapid Racer then surged back while maintaining an inside position when straightening for home.

The win was the second in a stakes at the holiday meet for owners Jay Em Ess Stable and trainer Paul McGee. They won the Holiday Inaugural on opening day, Nov. 29, with Coy Cat.