Better Lucky Too Good in First Lady

Trained by Tom Albertrani and ridden by Julien Leparoux, Better Lucky ran the mile on a turf course that was rated as firm in 1:39.78. It marked the fourth First Lady victory for Leparoux, who also won with Gorella (FR) in 2006, Forever Together in 2008 and Never Retreat in 2011.

Daisy Devine set the pace and led the field of eight through fractions of :24.19, :48.60 and 1:14.21. Leparoux had Better Lucky in fourth in the early going tracking behind Dayatthespa.

Turning for home,  Dayatthespa cut the corner under John Velazquez and moved to the inside of Daisy Devine while Leparoux moved three wide. Daisy Devine quickly yielded to her challengers, who battled to the wire with Better Lucky prevailing.

The victory in the First Lady was worth $240,000 and increased Better Lucky’s bankroll to $828,950 with a record of 13-5-2-4.

Better Lucky is a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Ghostzapper out of the Seeking the Gold mare Sahara Gold.

She returned $11.60, $5 and $3.40. Dayatthespa returned $4.20 and $3.20 with Daisy Devine finishing four lengths back and paying $3.40 to show under James Graham.

It was 7¼ lengths back to Miz Ida, who finished fourth and who was followed in order by Hungry Island, Say (IRE), Winding Way and Amazonas (IRE).