Turfway: Saratoga Humor carries the weight

Weight has been blamed for the losses of many stakes horses, but it could not stop Saratoga Humor in the $50,000 Wishing Well Stakes at Turfway Park.

Carrying 122 pounds and picking up 12 pounds off a stakes victory in the New Year's Eve Handicap at Mountaineer, Saratoga Humor spotted her nine rivals six pounds apiece and won comfortably by 1 3/4 lengths over Emily Ring. Sent immediately to the front by leading rider Rafael Bejarano, she broke the hearts of her opponents by forcing them to chase a fast pace.

She set fractions of 21.83 seconds and 44.90, and had plenty in reserve to maintain a clear lead over Emily Ring and eight other rivals. She completed six furlongs on a fast track in 1:10.33 and paid $8 as the second choice in the wagering.

Multiple stakes winner Emily Ring, favored at 2-1, loomed boldly leaving the turn after advancing from third, but could not gain significant ground in the stretch. She finished 1 1/2 lengths in front of Ballado's Halo, who rallied for third.

Saratoga Humor, a 4-year-old daughter of Distorted Humor, won her second consecutive stakes race and her fifth in 14 career starts. She has made over $158,000 for owner William Baker. She is trained by Joe Cain.