Red Mile: Kissin In The Sand strong again in Bluegrass blowout

Kissin In The Sand picked up another stakes victory this season, kicking away from the field to take the $126,000 Bluegrass for 3-year-old filly pacers on Saturday night at The Red Mile.

Starting from post eight in a bulky field of 12, Kissin In The Sand and driver Scott Zeron stayed on the rim and followed Baron Remy (Matt Kakaley) to the 28-second opening quarter. Baron Remy then cleared to the front, leaving Kissin In The Sand uncovered before she was released to the top.

Kissin In The Sand went on to reach the half in 55 2/5, then used a parked-out and first-up Cuts Like A Knife (Brian Sears) as a pick on the far turn, allowing Zeron to back down the tempo around the bend and to the 1:23 2/5 three-quarters.

Through the lane Kissin In The Sand got away from her rivals, and she would open up to win by 2 3/4 lengths in 1:50 flat. Baron Remy held second, with Dance Blue (Andrew McCarthy) third after getting stuck second-over behind the stalled Cuts Like A Knife.

Nancy Johansson, who finished first and third in the event, trains Kissin In The Sand, a daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, for owners Marvin Katz and Hatfield Stables. This was Kissin In The Sand's 16th lifetime win, and she has now pocketed $904,795. Kissin In The Sand returned $2.20 to win as the 1-9 favorite.