Stormy West takes third stakes of meet

Stormy West made it three in a row in Fair Grounds stakes, winning the $60,000 Marie Krantz Memorial Handicap by a length over Shytoe Lafeet.

Stormy West, ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, rated behind the fast fractions set by pacesetters Symphony of Psalm and Royal Madame. She made her now routine move at the top of the stretch, then held off Shytoe Lafeet, who finished second for the second race in a row.

"She's very consistent, she gives a good kick every time," said Valenzuela. "I waited until the top of the stretch, and then I turned her loose."

While the outcome was never in doubt, it appeared that Stormy West slowed down in midstretch, letting Shytoe Lafeet approach but never pass.

"She always waits on the other horses, then comes again," said Mike Kaetzel, assistant to trainer Bill Mott. "She never wants to win by too many, that's the way she is."

Stormy West ($4.80) ran 1 1/16 miles over the firm turf course in 1:44.96.

Stormy West took her bankroll past $350,000 with the win for owners Diane and Guy Snowden. She had previously won the Furl Sail and Blushing K.D. this meet at Fair Grounds