(February 14, 2004) - Bruce Lunsford's Madcap Escapade blasted her way to the top of the three-year-old filly division with a 11 3/4 length victory in the six furlong Old Hat Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Coming in to the Old Hat off just one race, a ten length maiden win at Gulfstream January 4, Madcap Escapade made her second lifetime start a blowout victory much like the first. Jockey Rene Douglas stalked the pace set by longshot Usual Manner, Douglas took his filly to the lead on the far turn and drew off down the stretch for an easy victory. Finishing second was Sweet Vision, who was 1 1/4 lengths in front of third place finisher Smokey Glacken.

Madcap Escapade finished the race in a quick 1:08.85, the fastest in the history of the race. Douglas was awed by her performance. "For all I know, she may be the next Ruffian," Douglas said. "She was doing everything on her own, and I shook her up a little bit at the end because she was doing everything so easy."

Trainer Frank Brothers was non-commital about the next start for the daughter of Hennessy. The nine-furlong Bonnie Miss March 6 and the seven-furlong Stonerside Forward Gal Stakes March 13 at Gulfstream are the next two stakes for three-year-old fillies.

The win boosted Madcap Escapade's earnings to $79,200. As the 4-5 favorite, Madcap Escapade paid $3.60, $3.40, and $2.40. Sweet Vision paid $5.00 and $3.20. Smokey Glacken's show was worth $2.80. The $2 exacta paid $16.20.

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