Ward pair among full field in Limestone Turf Sprint

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The first running of the $100,000 Limestone Turf Sprint drew quite the response, as more than the turf-course limit turned out for the 5 1/2-furlong race on the Maker’s 46 Mile undercard Friday.

Wesley Ward has two of the top contenders in Chelsea Cloisters and Stillwater Cove, both of whom last raced in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in November. Play On, Thriving, and Ginger Nut are among the prime opposition in a full field of 14 3-year-old fillies.

The Limestone is the filly counterpart to the Palisades, which was captured by BC Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Bulletin on opening day of the meet April 4 in its inaugural running. The Limestone is the first leg of a late pick four (races 7-10) with a $200,000-guaranteed pool.

The Friday card also includes an $85,000 allowance (race 6), in which Copper Town figures to be a solid favorite when he turns back from a mile to six furlongs for Todd Pletcher, and the meet’s first one-mile race on the main track (race 8).