The classy and ultra-talented Lady Eli padded her resume with a dead game victory in the Grade 1 Gamely at Santa Anita yesterday.
Lady Eli displayed her class despite a less-than-ideal pace scenario which had Avenge on the lead by herself from the rail. Lady Eli sat just off her and Irad Ortiz Jr. obviously had enough confidence in his filly to keep her a little closer to the front than usual. He moved early around the turn, but stated afterwards he waited as long as he could, and the mare responded beautifully, and had to gamely (excuse the pun) hold off a hard trying Goodyearforroses through the stretch.
Anything Lady Eli does and has done since her return from laminitis in both front hooves is truly remarkable. The fact she has been able to return at such a high level is historic within The Sport of Kings. She’s a special racehorse led by Chad Brown and a very special team. They finished in 1:45.29 for the mile and an eighth, real racehorse time. Congratulations to all.
