Spelling Again repels favorite in Open Mind

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Spelling Again turned back a sustained challenge from favored Heykittykittykitty in posting the first stakes victory of her career in the $100,000 Open Mind, the first of four Saturday stakes at Churchill Downs.

Always on the lead under Shaun Bridgmohan, Spelling Again was briefly headed in midstretch before digging in to win by a length. She returned $6.40 as the second wagering choice after finishing six furlongs in 1:09.96 over a fast track. Anusara was third, another 1 3/4 lengths behind Heykittykittykitty, and Elusive Fate was fourth in a field of six fillies and mares.

Spelling Again “kind of eyeballed the other filly and came right back on her,” said Bridgmohan.

Owned by the Sea Jay Racing LLC of Donald Giffen, Spelling Again was making her third start since being claimed in May at Santa Anita for $40,000. Turned over to Brad Cox, she had raced twice in allowance company at Indiana Grand, posting a third and a win leading up to the Open Mind.

Spelling Again, a 4-year-old filly by Awesome Again, was bred in Pennsylvania by George Strawbridge Jr.

The $2 exacta (5-3) paid $19.80, the $1 trifecta (5-3-6) returned $44.40, and the 10-cent superfecta (5-3-6-2) was worth $12.99.