R Heat Lightning Runs Away in Davona Dale
R Heat Lightning, a disappointing 4th in her Forward Gal (G2) return on Jan 30, rebounded in a big way in Saturday’s one-mile Davona Dale (G2) at Gulfstream Park.
Hot Summer advanced along the inside to rattle off fractions of :23.92 and :46.53. Forward Gal winner Pomeroys Pistol hounded the early runner throughout and took over after six furlongs in 1:10.77.
Around the far turn, post time favorite Dancinginherdreams, always well placed under Julien Leparoux, was rallying on the outside and R Heat Lightning was moving sweetly along the inside, with the latter bounding home to win by more than seven lengths. The winning time was 1:36.25.
Dancinginherdreams got the place nod over Pomeroys Pistol. Oh Carole was six lengths farther back in 4th and was followed by Hot Summer, Evil Queen, Mending Hearts, and Bellaridge.
John Velazquez guided home the winner for Todd Pletcher. The 3-year-old daughter of Trippi returned $7.00 as the second choice in the betting.
R Heat Lightning was one of the top juvenile fillies in the country last year. She won the Spinaway (G1) and placed in the Frizette (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). Saturday’s $150,000 prize boosted her career earnings over the $770,000 mark.