Scat Dancer displays dramatic form reversal

Scat Dancer picked up the pieces from a three-way pace battle to capture the Iowa Stallion Stakes at Prairie Meadows on Saturday.

The race was restricted to the progeny of stallions whose shares were donated to the Iowa Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders' Association stallion service auction, and with Iowa-bred supplement and fees, distributed a total of $93,919.

Scat Dancer ($14.20), beaten by 49 1/4 lengths in his most recent start on June 4, overcame some health issues since that poor performance.

"He had a fungus and was a little sore. He also had minor throat surgery," said trainer Lynn Chleborad.

Captain Theo, Glittering Par, and Wild for Glory took turns leading as they battled through the early fractions of 23.96 seconds, 47.59, and 11:12.62. Scat Dancer broke slowly and trailed the field early, then began his rally after the half, steadily advancing around the field. Jockey Glenn Corbett guided Scat Dancer three wide into the stretch and wore down leader Wild for Glory inside the final sixteenth to win by a length. Hum Along Mara, wide early, finished with a late rally to get third. Scat Dancer covered the mile and 70 yards in 1:43.99.

Owned by Jim Leech, the 3-year-old Scat Dancer has won 2 of 4 starts and $78,663.

The victory was the 32nd of the meet for Chleborad. She is currently tied for first place in the trainer standings with Chris Richard.