Teddy's Promise Delivers in Playa del Rey
Favored Teddy’s Promise was successful in her final start over her favorite surface, winning the $100,250 Playa del Rey Stakes Sunday at Betfair Hollywood Park.
The 3-5 choice against five opponents after Twitter Pie and Sky High Gal were scratched, the 5-year-old Salt Lake mare led for all but the first few strides en route to her sixth victory – in her 12th appearance – over Cushion Track.
The 3-5 choice against five opponents after Twitter Pie and Sky High Gal were scratched, the 5-year-old Salt Lake mare led for all but the first few strides en route to her sixth victory – in her 12th appearance – over Cushion Track.
Owned and bred in California by Ted and Judy Nichols and trained by Ron Ellis, Teddy’s Promise, who was ridden by Victor Espinoza, completed the six furlongs in 1:09.66 while winning by 1 ¼ lengths.
Out of the Capote mare Braids and Beads, Teddy’s Promise has won 11 of 28 lifetime and increased her bankroll to $882,397. She paid $3.20, $2.60 and $2.10.
“For me, she didn’t fire her best race in the Breeders’ Cup (Filly and Mare Sprint Nov. 2 at Santa Anita),’’ said Ellis, referring to Teddy’s Promise’s eighth-place finish. “But she came out of the race awesome.
“She’s come out of all of her races this year a lot better than last year. We had this race on the docket.’’
Ellis added Teddy’s Promise is scheduled to make one final start – the Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes Jan. 25 at Santa Anita – before being bred to Smart Strike.
“We’re sorry to lose her,’’ said the trainer. “She’s been a great mare for us.’’
Judy in Disguise, an 8-1 shot who was the winner’s closest pursuer throughout, finished second, 1 ¾ lengths in front of 3-1 second choice Rumor. The runner-up paid $4.60 and $2.40 while the show price on Rumor was $2.60.
Minds Eyes, There Is No Limit and Warren’s Blossom completed the order of finish.
The final week of racing in the history of Betfair Hollywood Park will begin Friday, Dec. 20 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 22.
Post time each day is 12:30 p.m. Track gates will open at 9:55 a.m.
Although Betfair Hollywood Park will not have live racing Monday-Thursday (Dec. 16-19), the Betfair Hollywood Park Players’ Club will be open for simulcasts. Admission is free.