Driven by Jim Morrill, Jr. and trained byRon Burke, the daughter of Bettor’s Delight and the Dexter Nukes mare Hornby Lucky came off the pacesetting cover of Economy Terror (Eric Goodell) deep in the lane to win over that one by a nostril. David Millerurged Handsoffmycookie through the passing lane to join the leaders, but had to settle for third. The trio were separated by about a head at the finish.
The mile was timed in 1:52.1; it was a new stakes record, bettering Rocklamation’s 1:53 effort last year.
The odds-on favorite, Romantic Moment (Brian Sears) got away fourth, came first-over after the half, but lacked a rally off a half in :56.2 and three-quarters in 1:24, and had to settle for fourth, about one length back of the top trio at the wire.
Bettor B Lucky has now won six of 17 and $472,758 this year. She was the runner-up in the deciding heat of this year’s Jugette and won in the Fall Harvest Stake at Yonkers on Sept. 29 before being rested for two weeks -- though followed a qualifying race win at Freehold with a scratch from the Breeders Crown Eliminations on Oct. 20 at Woodbine.
"You didn't know what to expect from her tonight, but she was loaded," Morrill said. "I had the trip I wanted (behind Economy Terror). I had to gather her a bit to angle her out of the pocket, and that may have cost me a step or two, but she's a very talented filly."
-- Frank Drucker contributed to this report