Ageless Finds Room in The Very One

Lael Stables’ Ageless had to wait behind horses until room opened along the fence in the stretch, then dashed through an opening to win the $100,000 The Very One Stakes Saturday at Pimlico.

The Very One Stakes attracted 10 fillies and mares and was contested at five furlongs over the ‘good’ turf. The winner, under Luis Garcia, was the 2-1 favorite.

The Arnaud Delacour-trained daughter of Successful Appeal covered the distance in 58.91 to win by three-quarters of a length. Longshot Perfect Measure was second and Quality Lass finished third.

Ageless, who won the Giant’s Causeway Stakes at Keeneland in his previous start, paid $6.60.

THE VERY ONE STAKES QUOTES

Winning Trainer Arnaud Delacour (Ageless): “It just worked out with a great trip. I was not quite sure how she’d handle the ground. We had a lot of rain yesterday. Obviously, she didn’t mind. She saved ground and came with a big kick at the end. She likes this distance, but I think she’s good anywhere from 5 to 6 ½ (furlongs).”

Winning Jockey Luis Garcia (Ageless): “It was good to save ground, but it wasn’t my idea to sit on the rail. It’s just how the race developed. I wasn’t sure the rail would open. I was behind the 6 (Quality Lass). Finally she left the rail a little bit and my filly slipped through. I loved it. We went for it the last eighth of mile.”