Size notches Iowa Oaks in first career route race

ALTOONA, Iowa – Size ($28.00) broke sharply, relaxed kindly, and repelled eight rivals to seize Saturday evening's Grade 3 Iowa Oaks by 1 1/4 lengths.

Stretching out to a route distance for the first time in just the fourth start of her career, Size, a First Samurai filly conditioned by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, appeared to relish the added ground and "sloppy" surface under a confident Junior Alvarado ride.

Favored Ria Antonia ($2.10-1), ridden for the first time by Julien Leparoux in the 10th race of her career, steadily closed ground to snatch second, a half-length in front of the enterprisingly ridden Dream Spinner.

Dream Spinner had seized command early up the backstretch run and bounded to a three-length lead before Size went past her at the furlong marker.

Locally based Sugar Shock, who was sent off as the 5-2 third choice, appeared uncomfortable on the sealed surface and eventually was eased after retreating from a forward position. Second choice Thank You Marylou ($2.20-1) never reached contention and wound up sixth.

Earning $120,000 for her owners Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider, Size covered the 1 1/16-mile distance in a spritely 1:43.64.