Turfway: La Gran Bailadora much the best in My Charmer

To the surprise of virtually no one, La Gran Bailadora dominated the $50,000 My Charmer Stakes on Saturday night at Turfway Park, continuing her pattern of excellence over the Polytrack surface at the Florence, Ky., track.

La Gran Bailadora, a 4-year-old Afleet Alex filly bred and owned by central Kentucky banker Tracy Farmer, returned $3.20 as a three-length winner of the 1 1/16-mile race and now has won 5 of 7 starts over the Turfway Poly. Victor Lebron was aboard for trainer Mike Maker.

Racing mid-pack through the early stages, La Gran Bailadora crept closer while staying clear of traffic as the field hit the far turn, then quickly put the issue to rest after straightening away, finishing in 1:46.99.

“When I got her clear she gave me her big run,” said Lebron.

Brilliant Future, a 16-1 shot under John McKee, held second after forcing all the pace, with La Rocca finishing another three-quarters of a length back in third in a field of 11 fillies and mares.

The My Charmer, named for the dam of the great Seattle Slew, was the second of five $50,000 stakes at the Turfway holiday meet, which runs through Dec. 31. The winter-spring meet runs Jan. 1 to April 1.

Maker said La Gran Bailadora will remain at Turfway through the winter and be pointed to the Likely Exchange, Wintergreen, and Fairway Fun at the winter-spring meet.