Wild Promises stalks, pounces

ALBANY, Calif. - Wild Promises took advantage of a dream trip stalking trip to capture the $75,000 Miss America Stakes at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday.

Wild Promises sat comfortably behind In My Glory during the early running and the pair ran one-two the entire 1 1/8-mile race on the turf. Wild Promises began to advance on the second turn, coming up outside the longshot and putting her head in front as the two turned for home.

She was ahead by a half-length by the eighth pole but could not increase her margin over the gritty 21-1 pacsetter while winning in 1:51.07. Ainamaa, the second choice in the wagering rallied four wide on the second and held off Elle Pickle by a nose to be third 1 1/4 lengths behind In My Glory.

"I had a perfect trip and she gave me her all at the end," said winning jockey David Lopez. "I was worried about a couple of the horses from Southern California so I didn't want to move too soon. At the end, I was worried about In My Glory. She wouldnt give up."

Wild Promises paid $4.20 to win.

Trainer Greg Gilchrist agreed it was a perfect trip. "Down the backstretch, it was just like we drew it up, but the slow early fractions probably left In My Glory in the race too long. It turned into a sprint to the wire with two fresh horses but she knows how to win."

Wild Promises, a 4-year-old daughter of Wild Event, earned $45,000 for the Estate of Harry Aleo with her ninth career win and fourth straight stakes victory. She has earned $311,950 with nine wins, five seconds and a third in 15 starts.