Havre De Grace Sharp in Azeri Return

Havre De Grace, making her first start since the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic for her new conditioner Larry Jones, showed no signs of rust in an authoritative win over Blind Luck in Saturday's Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

Absinthe Minded went straight to the front as expected and carved out splits of :23.64, :47.51, and 1:11.58. Shotgun Gulch and Tidal Pool were in chasing mode with Havre De Grace another half length back in 4th.

Ramon Dominguez roused Havre De Grace around the turn and she quickly burst clear of the pack. She increased her margin with every stride and crossed the line a comfortable 3-1/4 lengths in front. The final time was 1:42.02.

Blind Luck took up her customary spot at the back of the pack and her late rally was no match for the winner but she was best of the rest. She has now finished 2nd in her last five starts and holds a 3-2 advantage over Havre De Grace. The two fillies could meet again in the Apple Blossom.

Absinthe Minded held the show for Calvin Borel and Wayne Lukas and her stablemate Tidal Pool was another neck back in 4th. Shotgun Gulch, Kimber Lily, and a dsiappointing Spacy Tracy rounded out the order of finish.