Oaks News

Photo By: Pat Lang

In her first race away from California, Grade I winner Diplomat Lady cruised in the $250,000 Gr. II Beaumont, earning her a start in the May 5th Kentucky Oaks.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 13, 2006) - Diplomat Lady got back on track with a stylish front-running victory Thursday afternoon in the featured $250,000 Gr. II Stonerside Beaumont at Keeneland, earning her a spot in next month's Gr. I Kentucky Oaks.

Despite turning back from a series of route races in California, Diplomat Lady still displayed her early speed breaking from the four hole and dictated the pace on the inside under new rider Cornelio Velasquez through a crisp half-mile in 44.85, while being hard pressed on the outside by Yachats and jockey Rafael Bejarano.

As they rounded the far turn, Diplomat Lady was able to shake off Yachats and open up a clear advantage turning for home, and like many of the races at Keeneland thus far this meet, the race was over at that point. Diplomat Lady streaked clear in the stretch without any serious challenges, running under the line in 1:27.97 for seven furlongs over the Beard course.

Trained by Christopher Paasch, Diplomat Lady captured her first win of the year in taking the Beaumont. After closing out a solid 2-year-old campaign by capturing the Gr. I Hollywood Starlet over early Oaks favorite Balance in December, Diplomat Lady turned in a pair of uninspiring performances after setting the early pace in both the Gr. I Las Virgenes and Gr. I Santa Anita Oaks, and a win in the Beaumont was just what the speedy daughter of Forestry needed to head to Louisville on the right note for the May 5th Oaks.

"The last couple of races we've been a little bit disappointed with her finishes," said Paasch in the infield following his star filly's victory. "I told Cornelio to let her break real sharp today. I think it got a little deep down the lane; she got a little tired in the race. But I think she impressed enough that I've already talked to Mr. (Charles) Cono (owner) and I think if she comes out of the race well you'll see her at Churchill (for the Kentucky Oaks)."

Lake Alice - a 45-1 longshot - finished up nicely for the runner-up spot, 2 1/2-lengths back without ever seriously threatening Diplomat Lady. Wildcat Bettie B picked up the pieces late for third, another 4 1/4-lengths back. India, the 6-5 choice in the Beaumont, had a wide journey from her far outside draw and subsequently finished a well beaten fourth.

The race was somewhat marred by the fatal injury sustained by Grade II winner Dance Daily. The daughter of Five Star Day broke down under jockey Robby Albarado while racing towards the back of the pack as the field approached the top of the stretch.

Diplomat Lady ($9.80) earned $155,000 for the win, boosting her career earnings to $512,800 for Mr. Cono.

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