Woodbine Mohawk Park: The Ice Dutchess captures Peaceful Way Final

The Ice Dutchess captured her second major stakes event this year, winning the $385,000 Peaceful Way final for driver Yannick Gingras in a 1:54 2/5 mile on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Sent off as the even-money choice, The Ice Dutchess was kept off the early activity with Evident Beauty and Speed Titan leaving alertly outside of her and Susy moving inside. Evident Beauty moved alertly to the front in a 27 1/5 opening quarter, but Speed Titan made a break, as did Presto Change O, clearing the field nicely for a patient Gingras when he elected to move the favorite before the half.

The Ice Dutchess cut very nice fractions of 57 1/5 and 1:26 as the field remained mostly in line. On the final turn Sisters Promise moved to the outside but before gaining she broke stride, with Gingras barely moving a muscle behind his Muscle Hill-sired filly. The Ice Dutchess drew off impressively, posting a 28 2/5 final quarter as Evident Beauty chased her home clearly second-best. Angies Luckeylady rallied gamely late for the show spot ahead of Susy and Teddys Littleangel, the final two check-getters.

The Ice Dutchess is owned by Coyote Wynd Farms and trained by Jimmy Takter. It was her fourth win in seven career starts.

"She's got the right attitude," said Takter, following the victory. "I don't think she will wear the hobbles. I think she will grow out of it."

Owner John Floren paid $320,000 for the filly at last year's Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.

"I sold a Muscle Hill colt for $320,000. I thought she was the best filly in the sale, and I said if she goes for more than $320,000 I'm out," Floren said.

Saturday's victory put The Ice Dutchess above her sale price, with plenty of money left to race for.