Round Pond sharp in Honeybee runaway

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Round Pond, one of the most impressive maiden winners of the meet for the same connections as top Kentucky Derby hopeful Rockport Harbor, won the $75,000 by 5 3/4 lengths Sunday at Oaklawn Park.

The mile and a sixteenth race for 3-year-old fillies is a prep for the Grade 2, $250,000 Fantasy on April 15.

Round Pond ($3.20) broke well from the rail and settled in second behind Rugula, who was left alone on the lead through fractions of 23.81 seconds for the opening quarter and 47.89 seconds for the half-mile mark. Round Pond inched closer to the leader down the backside, drew even with Ragula at the quarter pole, and after straightening up for home began to dart clear, covering the distance over a fast track in 1:45.16.

Ragula held second, 4 1/2 lengths clear of third-place finisher Southern.

Round Pond is owned by Fox Hill Farms, trained by John Servis and was ridden in the Honeybee by Stewart Elliott. She won her maiden by eighth lengths in her second career start on Feb. 27, and was making her two-turn debut in the Honeybee.

Round Pond earned $45,000 for the win, which was her second in three starts. Her earnings now stand at $67,300. She is a daughter of Awesome Again.