The $100,000 Untapable Stakes at the Fair Grounds turned into a Saturday of fun for trainer Whit Beckman.
Her Laugh led from gate-to-wire for 2 ½-length victory over favorite Golden Gamble, giving Beckman a promising filly on the road to the Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Her Laugh. Coady Photo.
Earlier on the card, Beckman-trained Simply Joking won the $100,000 Letellier Memorial, a 6-furlong sprint for 2-year-old fillies.
Both fillies are owned by Grantley Acres and were sired by Practical Joke.
The 1-mile, 70-yard Untapable awarded 10 Oaks points to the winner, with the next four finishers in the field of eight picking up 5-3-2-1 points, respectively.
Ridden by Axel Concepcion and sent off at 9-2, Her Laugh ($11) posted a winning time of 1:43.72.
Golden Gamble was a length in front of third-place finisher California Sunshine, who was followed by Stable Currency, Drexel Hill, Amarth, Paris Lily, and Prima Bella.
“I told Axel just break and put her where she is comfortable,” Beckman said. “Seeing the fractions, how she was carrying him and how composed she was, I knew we were in the best spot. It was perfect. This day worked out very well.”
Concepcion, who also was aboard Simply Joking, said of Her Laugh: “[She] broke good, relaxed very well. I asked at the quarter pole, and she responded. I knew she had a lot of talent from working her since she was in Kentucky three months ago. She did it all and I am very grateful for the owners and the trainer for the opportunity.”
Her Laugh is now 2-for-2 – she won her debut at Churchill Downs on Nov. 17.
Built runs away from field in Gun Runner
In an earlier Kentucky Derby (G1) points qualifier on the card, Built ($9.80) pulled away for a 6 ¾-length victory over Magnitude in the $100,000 Gun Runner – earning 10 Derby points.
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