6th-Keeneland, $82,488, Alw (NW2$X)/Opt. Clm ($62,500), 4-9, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16m, 1:43.01, ft, 2 1/4 lengths.
SPICE IS NICE (f, 4, Curlin–Dame Dorothy {GISW, $749,740}, by Bernardini) made her return to the races a winning one with an optional claimer score at Keeneland Friday. Hammered down to 1-2 favoritism for this return after eight months on the bench, the $1.05-million KEESEP buy raced two-wide in a joint third through opening splits of :24.15 and :48.63. Scrubbed on by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, the chestnut swept up to confront the leader Market Rumor (Afleet Alex) approaching the turn. The duo pulled well clear of their three remaining rivals as the battled down the lane with Spice is Nice bounding clear late to score by 2 1/4 lengths. It was another 11 lengths back to the third-place finisher. Tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' after romping by 12 lengths in her Gulfstream debut in January of 2020, Spice is Nice finished second in that venue's GII Davona Dale S. six weeks later and rallied to be fifth next out in the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks last March. Winning a Belmont optional claimer when next seen July 3, she was sixth last time out in the 10-furlong GI Alabama S. at Saratoga Aug. 15. Spice is Nice is the first foal out of Grade I winner Dame Dorothy, who is a half-sister to MGISW Mrs. Lindsay (Theatrical {Ire}). Her second foal, a now-2-year-old colt by Medaglia d'Oro, brought $650,000 from Juddmonte, Bridlewood and Winchell Thoroughbreds at Keeneland September. She produced an Uncle Mo colt in May of 2020 and was barren when bred back to Curlin. Sales history: $1,050,000 Ylg '18 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSP, 6-3-1-0, $164,528. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.
O-Lawana L. and Robert E. Low; B-B. Flay Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher.
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