Toni Ann's Miracle cruises in Emerald Downs Handicap

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Toni Ann’s Miracle established herself as the top 3-year-old filly at Hastings with a convincing win going 6 1/2 furlongs in the $50,000 Emerald Downs Handicap on Saturday.

She paid $3.80 and posted a final time of 1:17.19.

Toni Ann’s Miracle broke sharply and pressed the previously undefeated Here’s Hannah through interior splits of 22.24 seconds and 45.83.

After disposing of Here’s Hannah she held a 1 1/2-length advantage over Cypress Park at the top of the stretch. Under confident handling by Amadeo Perez she never looked threatened while cruising to a 4 1/4-length victory over Cypress Park, who came from a stalking position.

Here’s Hannah held on to finish third over Gigi Jean, who trailed throughout.

Toni Ann’s Miracle was making her first start for owner Peter Redekop and trainer Phil Hall. Redekop purchased the Florida-bred daughter of Hear No Evil after she won a first-level allowance race with a $75,000 claiming option for trainer Larry Pilotti at Gulfstream Park on April 6.

“I’ve only had her for a couple of weeks so I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Hall said. “I was a little concerned when I saw the 45-second half and I was very impressed when she took off.”

“I was looking for a 3-year-old filly for Hastings and when my racing manager Brian Anderson recommended her I signed the check,” Redekop said. “She looked pretty good winning today.”