Ellis Park: Destino d’Oro draws away to win Pucker Up Stakes

Destino d’Oro sat a perfect trip and drew off with authority to win Sunday’s Grade 3, $399,400 Pucker Up Stakes at Ellis Park.

Owned by Steve Landers Racing, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Luan Machado, Destino d’Oro completed the 1 1/8-mile turf contest in 1:45.64 to earn her first graded-stakes victory.

Click here for Ellis Park entries and results.

With the win, Destino d’Oro earned a berth in the $2 million Dueling Grounds Oaks (G3) on Sept. 10 at Kentucky Downs.

It was an even break for the field of 10 3-year-old fillies. Drop the Hammer set a composed pace of 23.17 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 47.69 seconds for the half. Destino d’Oro, much closer to the lead than in her allowance win six weeks ago, tracked comfortably in second, just a length behind. Midway through the stretch Machado tipped her into the clear, and the daughter of Bolt d’Oro responded willingly, pulling away for a dominant, 3 3/4-length victory.

“She sat much closer to the pace this time, and I think it really helped her,” Machado said. “Down the backside I could tell she was full of run, even sitting as close to the pace as she was. She’s been very impressive so far in her career, and I think has a great future ahead of her.”

Hereforagoodtime closed late to finish second, followed in order by Admit, Liam in the Dust, Drop the Hammer, Deloraine, Nosleeptillbrooklyn, Fixin to Bee, Princess Attitude and Just Ruthless.

The win marked her third from just four career starts. Sunday’s victory was worth $237,250 and boosted her career earnings to $444,909.

Sent off as the even-money favorite, Destino d’Oro paid $4.10.