Tango Run trounces statebred foes in Tah Dah Stakes

Tango Run remained undefeated with the second stakes victory of her young career, scoring by an emphatic two lengths in Sunday’s $75,000 Tah Dah Stakes for Ohio-bred 2-year-old fillies at Belterra Park.

Tango Run was a 6 1/2-length debut winner for trainer William Cowans, then followed up with a 2 3/4-length victory in the Miss Ohio Stakes last month. But despite being the most accomplished runner in the short field of five for the Tah Dah, Tango Run was not sent away as the post-time favorite. That distinction fell to Missap, who was stepping up to stakes company off a 4 1/4-length debut win at Belterra for trainer Kellyn Gorder. The filly earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 49 for her maiden win, tying Tango Run’s Miss Ohio figure for the best mark in the field.

However, Tango Run immediately asserted her class when the gates opened in the Tah Dah. Breaking from the rail under regular rider Rex Stokes III, she assumed command through an opening quarter of 22.74 seconds, and coasted through the half in 46.11 while stalked by Missap a length back in second. She continued on well through the lane, pulling away to her two-length margin and finishing the six furlongs in 1:10.33.

Missap, while no match for the winner, was clearly second-best, finishing 4 1/4 lengths clear of Emmy's Candy in third. It was another 6 1/4 lengths back to Circus Rings and Summit Point.