Way With Words rallies to win South Beach

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Way With Words , a three-time stakes winner last season, got back on the winning track in impressive fashion when rallying to a 4 3/4-length victory over 4-5 favorite Akilina in Saturday's $50,000 South Beach Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Way With Words circled the leaders four wide under jockey Jose Lezcano before drawing off with complete authority through the stretch. Akilina was forced to steady in traffic along the inside approaching the stretch and then was solidly bumped when trying to split rivals near the eighth pole before outfinishing Sandi's Ready by a head to finish second. They were followed by Rose Diamond, Noisy Feet, Meriwether Jessica, and West Hope.

Way With Words, a 6-year-old daughter of Sefapiano trained by Mary Eppler for owner George Schwartz, completed 7 1/2 furlongs in 1:27.53 over a firm course and paid $25.

"She really needs a couple of races to get going," said Eppler, referring to the fact that Way With Words had finished off the board in her two previous starts here earlier in the meet. "She's very versatile. We'll take her home to Laurel now. With her, there are plenty of options."