Stunning Sky (Declaration of War) managed to snap a seven-length losing streak with a tough-as-nails victory in Keeneland's GIII Pin Oak Valley View S. when last seen Oct. 16 and figures a strong chance to take her current winning skein to two in Saturday's GII Mrs. Revere S. at Churchill.
Haltered for $50,000 by this outstanding claiming outfit out of a second-out victory in the Gulfstream slop last December, Stunning Sky added a first-level allowance over the turf before her dry spell. The bay turned in some strong efforts in defeat during that stretch, including runner-up finishes in the GII Lake Placid S. and Saratoga Oaks ahead of a fourth in what has become a productive renewal of the Dueling Grounds Oaks Sept. 10. Trapped out three deep the trip in the Valley View, Stunning Sky nevertheless kept on gamely and grabbed perfect-trip Princess Grace (Karakontie {Jpn}) on the line despite covering 42 feet (about 4 1/4 lengths) more than the runner-up, according to Trakus.
Princess Grace was having just her third career start in the Valley View and looked well on her way to victory at the eighth pole, only to hang the last little bit. She can improve for that experience and will have her fair share of admirers.
How Ironic (Tonalist) was the winner of an Ellis Park allowance Aug. 7 ahead of an even seventh in the Dueling Grounds Oaks. She and Stunning Sky effectively raced as a team in the Valley View, though she lacked the same finishing kick and checked in third, beaten a length, while covering 18 fewer feet.
Hendy Woods (Uncle Mo) was runner-up to 'TDN Rising Star' Sharing (Speightstown) in Churchill's GIII Edgewood S. on the GI Kentucky Oaks undercard Sept. 4 and exits a sixth in the GI QE II Challenge Cup, won by Harvey's Lil Goil (American Pharoah), who returned to be a bang-up third in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf last weekend. Easy ground would enhance her chances.
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