Kallio outkicked grade 1 winner and 1-2 favorite Starship Jubilee in deep stretch to score a three-length victory in Thursday’s 46th running of the $175,000 Cardinal Stakes (G3) for fillies and mares November 28 on the turf at Churchill Downs.
A daughter of the late stallion Scat Daddy out of the Dynaformer mare Smokey Diplomacy, Kallio was foaled and raised at Hidden Brook Farm in Paris, Kentucky. She was also sold by Hidden Brook for $100,000 at the 2016 Keeneland September yearling sale.
Tyler Gaffalione rode the winner for trainer Brendan Walsh. Earlier on the day, Gaffalione piloted Mylady Curlin to victory in the $300,000 Falls City (GII).
Breaking from post position No. 2 in the field of 11, Kallio was rated in eighth from the inside down the backstretch as Limari carved out a clear early lead through fractions of :24.58, :50.02 and 1:15.67. Starship Jubilee, the winner of the grade 1 E.P. Taylor at Woodbine in her previous start, commenced her run with a four-wide move around the final turn, and Kallio, who swung to the outside, followed her every step of the way.
The favorite took the lead at the top of the stretch but it was short-lived as Kallio relished the soft turf and collared Starship Jubilee just inside the final furlong to draw clear late. ‘
The triumph was worth $101,990 and increased the Kentucky-bred’s earnings to $336,095. She boasts a record of 4-2-3 in 16 starts.
Hidden Brook had more success at Churchill Downs the following afternoon when Hidden Brook Racing First Row Partners’ Nay Lady Nay scored in the Mrs. Revere S. (G2).
– edited from www.bloodhorse.com
