Blue Prize tracks down Farrell, wins Churchill's Fleur de Lis

Farrell trainer Wayne Catalano had hoped his filly would take them all the way in Churchill Downs’ Grade 2, $200,000 Fleur de Lis Handicap. And she nearly did until Blue Prize chased down the pace setter to win Saturday night at Churchill Downs.

In the initial stages of the race, Farrell set fractions of 23.97 and 48.57. She appeared to be going on nicely on an uncontested lead, and even opened up a notch on the far turn. Blue Prize tracked her from the inside, right next to Apologynotaccepted and Awestruck.

Blue Prize then switched out to the outside on the far turn as the six-furlong fraction went in 1:12.45, and steadily mowed down the pacesetter Farrell.

Mopotism also made a steady rally on the inside for third.

The final time for 1 1/8 miles was 1:50.02.

Under jockey Jose Ortiz, the 5-year-old Ignacio Correas trainee earned an automatic bid to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff this November at Churchill.

“She loves this track, so that’s got to be good for us,” Correas said.

Correas was uncommitted to Blue Prize’s next start, but mentioned Saratoga as a possibility. She paid $6.60 to win, $4.40 to place and $3 to show.

Forever Unbridled came out of the Fleur de Lis last year and won the Distaff.