Maragh scores upset aboard Miss Ella in Adena Springs Beaumont Stakes

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (CMC):

Jamaican jockey Rajiv Maragh produced a stalking ride aboard 10-1 outsider Miss Ella to score an upset in the US$250,000 Grade II Adena Springs Beaumont Stakes at Keeneland here Sunday.

Going seven furlongs, the pair tracked the leaders from third before challenging for the lead at the 16th pole and sprinting clear to reach the wire by 2-1/2 lengths in a time of one minute, 28.11.

"She broke well and she always put me in the race. She was travelling really good, and when it was time to go, she showed a big kick. She was very impressive in her debut. She broke right on the lead and never was challenged," said Maragh.

"What really impressed me about today's race was she faced some adversity because she sat off a couple of horses and she still had her finish. It shows some good versatility."

second straight win

The victory was the second straight for the three-year-old bay filly, who broke her maiden last month at Gulfstream Park in Florida.

One of the favourites, Fantastic Style, posted the early fractions with a sharp 22.87 seconds for the first quarter and 46.11 for the second.

Divine Dawn tracked from second with Maragh and Miss Ella well positioned on the outside of the front-runners, nearly two lengths back in third.

Once the race turned for home, Miss Ella unleashed a good turn of speed to collar the leaders and reach the wire strongly under solid urging from Maragh.

The success was one of two for Maragh on the nine-race card, after partnering with 4-1 chance Robillard to win the US$58,000 race seven by a length, going a mile and 16th.