(April 3, 2004) - Madcap Escapade kept her record perfect with a half-length win over Ashado in the 1 1/16 miles Ashland Stakes (GI) at Keeneland Saturday. With the victory, Madcap Escapade captured her fourth race in as many starts, and could go into the April 30 Kentucky Oaks as the race day favorite.

Unlike her previous three starts, Madcap Escapade had to work to gain the victory. This was her first start around two turns, and she ran a little awkwardly in the homestretch. As she has done in all of her races, the daughter of Hennessy broke on top, maintaining a 1 1/2 length lead for the first 3/4 of a mile, with La Reina in second, Ashado third, and Last Song trailing in the four horse field. Madcap Escapade widened her lead entering the stretch, where it appeared she ducked in towards the rail. Righted by her jockey, Rene Douglas, she began to move clear from the rest of the field. In mid-stretch, however, Ashado began a strong rally under Cornelio Velasquez, gaining with every stride. Douglas went to the whip repeatedly in deep stretch, and Madcap Escapade prevailed by a half length. Ashado was four lengths in front of Last Song, whose running style was compromised by the short field. La Reina was another three lengths back in fourth.

Owned by Bruce Lunsford, Madcap Escapade earned $310,000, bringing her lifetime total to $479,200. The 3-5 favorite paid $3.40 and $2.20. Ashado's place was $2.60. There was no show wagering. The $2 exacta with the two favorites was $5.40.

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