Step Out Smartly rallies in Gowell

Step Out Smartly launched a torrid rally down the center of the Polytrack and went on to post a 1 1/4-length victory over Lady's Laughter in the $50,000 Gowell Stakes at Turfway Park.

With veteran Bill Troilo riding for trainer Rusty Arnold, Step Out Smartly returned $8.20 as second choice in a field of nine 2-year-olds fillies. Lady's Laughter had taken a sizable lead after emerging best from the front-runners, but she had no answer for Step Out Smartly, who had all the momentum in the final furlong. The top two finishers were both coming off maiden special-weight victories at Churchill Downs last month.

Emma Darling, the 2-1 favorite, surely was compromised by stumbling at the start. She made a mild bid leaving the quarter pole, before settling for third, another three lengths behind Lady's Laughter.

Step Out Smartly, by Came Home, was bred by her owner, G. Watts Humphrey. She finished six furlongs in 1:11.70 with her second win from three starts.

Trust N Seven and Satans Quick Chick were early scratches.