Somali Lemonade squeezes out Diana victory

Saratoga Springs, NY (SportsNetwork.com) – Longshot Somali Lemonade rallied through the stretch to edge Stephanie’s Kitten in winning Saturday’s $500,000 Diana Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

Trained by Michael Matz and ridden by Luis Saez, Somali Lemonade went off at 11-1 in the 10-horse field of fillies and mares. The 5-year-old mare stalked the pace that was being set by Discreet Marq and 5-2 favorite Alterite over the firm grass course.

At the top of the stretch, Discreet Marq broke away from Alterite as Somali Lemonade and 5-1 co-second pick Stephanie’s Kitten cut into the lead.

Both Somali Lemonade and Stephanie’s Kitten caught Discreet Marq nearing the wire with Somali Lemonade getting a three-quarter length win over Stephanie’s Kitten.

Discreet Marq held on for third followed by Abaco, Solid Appeal, Strathnaver, Caroline Thomas, Alterite, Emollient and Tannery.

The time for the 1 1/8-miles was 1:48.51.

Owned by Caroline Forgason, Somali Lemonade recorded her third win of the year and second stakes in five starts. Winning the Diana was worth $300,000 and puts the mare’s career bankroll at $948,421 with six wins in 22 starts.

The 5-year-old won the Gallorette Handicap at Pimlico on Preakness Stakes Day. She was coming off a disappointing third in Belmont Park’s Just a Game Stakes after setting most of the pace.

Somali Lemonade returned $24.60, $11.00 and $7.40. Stephanie’s Kitten paid $6.60 and $4.60, and Discreet Marq paid $6.50 to show.

Categorized in: Horses