Turfway: Lou's Angel uses speed to take Wishing Well

Lou’s Angel drew off the also-eligible list and proceeded to lead practically every step of the way from her outside post in notching her first stakes victory Saturday in the $50,000 Wishing Well Stakes at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky.

With Rodney Prescott aboard for trainer Ron Kahles, Lou’s Angel had a three-length lead passing the furlong pole before finishing 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Hot Hot Mama in a field of 11 fillies and mares. The winner returned $16.60 as fifth choice after finishing six furlongs in 1:11.95 over Polytrack. Double Espresso, the 7-2 favorite in a well-matched field, was another neck back in third.

“I knew if she got the lead she’d be all right,” said Kahles. “We’ve been waiting for this one.”

Lou’s Angel, owned by Lou Diekemper, was bred in Kentucky by John T.L. Jones. A 5-year-old Cactus Ridge mare, Lou’s Angel now has won 5 of 13 career starts. She earned $29,140, giving her slightly more than $113,000 lifetime.

Lou’s Angel, number 14 on the program, only drew into the race after the original field was reduced by three scratches.

Except for the Vinery Spiral and Kentucky Cup programs, this was the first Saturday afternoon card at Turfway in nearly a year. Officials announced earlier in the week that Saturday nights were being abandoned in favor of the more traditional daytime program. Otherwise, the four-day week remains the same, with racing on Thursday and Friday evenings and on Sunday afternoons.