Red Mile: Prairie Sweetheart still perfect after Allerage win

Prairie Sweetheart came into the $112,500 Allerage for pacing fillies and mares as a virtual unknown on the stakes scene despite a perfect record in 11 career starts. The 3-year-old was facing a field of established older foes and was no worse for the wear, finishing a clear winner in a career-best 1:49 1/5.

Prairie Sweetheart was fast off the wings of the gate but quickly gave way to the heavily-favored Lady Shadow at the opening quarter in 26 4/5. Driver Matt Kakaley sat patiently as the solid pace continued to the half in 54 4/5, and Lady Shadow was pressured by the first-over Frost Damage Blues.

With three-quarters on the board in 1:22 2/5, Frost Damage Blues and Lady Shadow kicked away from the field slightly, but the hard battle had taken its toll. Prairie Sweetheart burst to the front in the stretch, and Bedroomconfessions followed her home for second.

“I thought that was going to be her first loss,” admitted Kakaley after the race.

Prairie Sweetheart was making her first start for the Let It Ride Stables and trainer Ross Croghan. The purchase was made on September 21 and the Allerage was meant to be a test.

“We put her in here to see what we have for next year,” said Eric Cherry of the Let It Ride Stables. “She is a bit of a freak. Her breeding (Royal Millenium-Taylors Lady) isn’t much, even for a horse bred in the 1990s.”

Cherry added that he is contemplating a supplement into the Breeders Crown to race against older mares.

“The rules are somewhat vague. The 3-year-olds are tough, but it seems the mares division is a good spot if we can race," said Cherry.

Regardless of the Breeders Crown plans, Prairie Sweetheart ($14.80) will race in some Florida Breeders races at Pompano Park in November. Cherry confirmed she was be heavily staked in 2017.