This Time Baby easily adjusts to bullring at Columbus

This Time Baby got the clear early lead and shook off any challengers through the final turn to capture her first stakes victory in the $10,500 Inaugural Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on Saturday night at Columbus.

This Time Baby, ridden by Jake Olesiak for trainer Kim Veerhusen, was making her first start in the state after racing in California this spring. She had not been out since finishing third against $12,500 claiming company at Hollywood Park on May 15 and had no trouble adjusting to the turns of this five-eighths mile oval.

An expected challenge to her speed failed to develop when Including Mary ducked in sharply and hit the rail in the opening sixteenth of a mile and was pulled up. Red Headed Woman made a run at the winner into the far turn to get within a length but could not match strides. Catty Buddha, the 3-1 second choice, rallied from far back to gain second by a nose with Red Headed Woman settling for third. Including Mary appeared to suffer no injuries after her collision with the rail and walked off.

This Time Baby covered the six furlongs in 1:14.80 over a fast track and returned $3.80 as the 4-5 favorite in the field of six. It was her second career win from 10 starts.