Proviso Flies Home in First Lady

Proviso did her best Zenyatta impersonation Saturday in the Grade 1, $400,000 First Lady at Keeneland, appearing in danger of being beaten in midstretch, only to unleash a powerful closing kick to secure yet another prestigious victory.

As she had in winning the Diana, Just a Game, and Frank Kilroe Mile earlier in the year -- all Grade 1 races -- Proviso didn't win by much, but impressed with a half-length score over longshot C.S. Silk.

Eighth of nine early under regular rider Mike Smith, she stayed far off a moderate but contested pace set by longshot West Hope, who set splits of 23.92 seconds and 47.54 in the one-mile turf race. When the field reached the stretch, and Wasted Tears took command with six furlongs in 11.75, Proviso still had seven horses to pass.

But pass them she did, closing down the center of the course, racing the distance in a sharp 1:34.81. She paid $4.60.