Savedbythelight takes over in Ladies

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Savedbythelight has a date in the breeding shed next year with Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker, but after winning Saturday's $112,100 Ladies Handicap at Aqueduct, her connections might not be that eager to breed the filly.

Savedbythelight won the Grade 3 Ladies by three lengths over Queen's Triomphe. It was a head back to Retroactive in third in the 10-horse field of fillies and mares. The order of finish was completed by Julie's Prize, Caught in the Rain, Consort Music, City Fire, Lady Liberty, Call an Audible, and Kabylia. Caught in the Rain was the 5-2 favorite.

Richard Migliore rode Savedbythelight, who hounded the pacesetter, City Fire, through leisurely fractions of 25.73 seconds, 51.08, 1:15.84, and 1:41.25 in the 1 1/4-mile Ladies. Savedbythelight took over from the tiring City Fire at the quarter pole and drew clear.

Savedbythelight ($11) covered the distance in 2:05.99 over a fast track.

Richard Violette, who trains Savedbythelight for Earle I. Mack, said that when he saw how slow the first quarter was and how close Savedbythelight was to the pace, he felt confident.

"We were right where we were supposed to be," Violette said. "She is scheduled to be bred to Empire Maker - what a way to go out. But now I don't know, she could improve. We'll have to discuss it."

Migliore said that 50 yards out of the starting gate, he knew he was on the winner.

"To be on the bridle for that long, she finished up big," Migliore said. "I just moved a finger, and to have her give so much is a credit to [Violette]. He really had her right. It would be nice for her to go home and be a mommy, but for myself and Rick, I hope she stays around."

Savedbythelight, a 3-year-old daughter of Saint Ballado, became a stakes winner during the summer when she won the ungraded Sands Point at Belmont Park. She also finished third in the 1 1/2-mile Coaching Club American Oaks. Savedbythe-light's record is 3-2-4 in 11 starts, with earnings of $312,504.