Stormy But Crafty best in Rainbow Stakes

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Stormy But Crafty withstood pressure throughout for a one-length front-running win in the $50,000 Rainbow Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Sunday. Leon's Best finished second, five lengths clear of third-place finisher Wow Yao.

With the win, Stormy But Crafty gave his sire, Storm and a Half, a sweep of the card's two stakes for Arkansas-breds. Earlier on the card, Doll and a Half ($11.60) won the $50,000 Rainbow Miss. Both horses were bred by Millsap Stables.

In the Rainbow, Stormy But Crafty ($2.80) went to the lead at the start and led the field through an opening quarter in 21.59 seconds while under pressure from Leon's Best. He continued to lead the field through a half-mile in 45.03 seconds, and covered the six furlongs over a fast track in 1:10.97.

Jamie Theriot rode the winner for trainer Cole Norman.

Stormy But Crafty earned $30,000 for the win, which was his fourth in eight career starts. He has now earned $87,150, and races for Denise Morrison and Juliann Womack.

In the Rainbow Miss, Doll and a Half overtook pacesetter Ritas Wampus Cat through the stretch for a half-length win. Ritas Wampus Cat was a clear second, two and a half lengths in front of third-place finisher and favorite Maggio.

Doll and a Half stalked Ritas Wampus Cat through fractions of 22 seconds for the opening quarter and 45.50 seconds for the half-mile mark. Doll and a Half went on to cover the distance in 1:11.52.

"She ran a professional race," said Don Pettinger, who rode Doll and a Half for trainer Donnie Von Hemel.

Doll and a Half earned $30,000 for the win, which was her second from eight starts. She has now earned $58,505 for owner Millsap Stables.