Sensitive comes through as favorite in Ellis Park Turf

Seeking racing room in early stretch, Sensitive found daylight between horses in the final furlong of Sunday’s $75,000 Ellis Park Turf and surged to score a head victory in a three-horse photo.

A 5-year-old daughter of Divine Park owned by LNJ Foxwoods, Sensitive stalked in fourth for much of the race under Shaun Bridgmohan as 22-1 longshot Valentine Wish waltzed on the lead through fractions of 24.98 seconds, 49.38, and 1:12.89. This easy pace left the leader with plenty in reserve, along with Stave, who had chased the front-runner, but Sensitive ultimately proved superior.

A ground-saving trip appeared instrumental in the victory. Sensitive was able to save ground around both turns, and then, with an eighth of a mile remaining, she split Valentine Wish and Stave as they volleyed for the lead, gradually outfinishing those two stubborn foes.

Stave settled for the runner-up spot, a head in front of Valentine Wish.

Brad Cox trains Sensitive, who recorded the first stakes victory of her career in the Ellis Park Turf after some near misses this year, including when second in the Lone Star Park Turf in her last start May 27. She raced 1 1/16 miles on a firm turf course in 1:40.99, paying $5.60 as the favorite in the field of eight.

The Ellis Park Turf was the first stakes of the meet, which began June 30 and continues through Sept. 2.