America, ridden by Junior Alvarado, came like a freight train down the stretch to capture the New Year's Day $100,000 Affectionately Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct.
Trained by Bill Mott for Bobby Flay, America was the 4-1 second choice behind 3-5 favorite Belle Gallantey in the eight-horse field with six betting interests. The entry of Penwith and Divided Attention was the 4-1 co-second pick for the 1 1/16-mile stakes.
America trailed through the early going as Penwith set the pace with Belle Gallantey, winner of the Delaware Handicap and Beldame Invitational, pressing the leader up the backstretch.
Coming off the final turn, Penwith was on the inside with Belle Gallantey, Shayjolie and Simply Spectacular making up the first group of runners. America was putting in her rally down the middle of the track.
Penwith had a clear lead at the top of the stretch as America began to draw closer with Belle Gallantey fading along the rail. Penwith did her best to hold off America but was unable to reach the wire first.
America nosed out Penwith for the victory with Divided Attention third and Shayjolie fourth. Odds-on favorite Belle Gallantey was fifth followed by Simply Spectacular, Agawa and Mylitta.
The time for the Affectionately was 1:44.68 on a fast track.
America, sired by 1992 Horse of the Year A. P. Indy, posted her third straight win with the opening race of her 4-year-old season. The filly has won four of 13 career starts and the $60,000 boosts her lifetime earnings to $306,940.
As a 3-year-old, America raced in nothing but stakes but with little success. She finished third in the Gulfstream Park Oaks and Mother Goose, and finally found the winner's circle in her last two starts of the year in a pair of allowances.
America returned $10.40, $3.90 and $3.30. Penwith paid $4.60 and $4.60, and Divided Attention paid $4.60 and $4.60.
[SportsNetwork.com]
