LEMONESSE REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH THIRD WIN IN ROW IN FEATURED REMINGTON PARK ALLOWANCE

It took every ounce of energy in Lemonesse’s body to remain undefeated as she fought to the wire, winning her third race in a row for 18-time top trainer at Remington Park, Steve Asmussen, on Saturday night.

The 3-year-old filly by Gun Runner (Candy Ride-ARG), out of the Tapit mare Taxable, has been unbeatable to start her career for owner Winchell Thoroughbreds, but she has been life-and-death to hang on for two of those victories. Leading rider and defending champion at Remington Park, Stewart Elliott, took over in the saddle on Saturday night after Asmussen’s son Erik had gotten her home a winner at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., in a maiden race on May 3 this year, and then again at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, on June 8, against allowance non-winners of two career races.

The filly was purchased at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in Kentucky in 2022 for $400,000, sold by consignor Gainesway Farm in Lexington, according to Equibase. She earned $21,447 for her victory Saturday night and now has compiled a total of $110,307.

Elliott, who had a three-bagger to increase his lead in the jockey standings and become the first rider to 10 on the young season, sent Lemonesse into a comfortable spot in second, stalking front-running Rose Parade in the one mile race over a fast main track. By the time they reached the top of the stretch, Lemonesse had taken a 1-1/2 length lead, but the race was not over. Love Tank (6-1), with Harry Hernandez up, came to the 4-5 betting favorite and was head-to-head as they approached the finish line, but she could never get her head past the winner. Lemonesse hit the wire a nose in front of the late closer.

The interior fractions for the race were :24.73 for the first quarter-mile, :48.65 for the half-mile, 1:13.16 for three-quarters of a mile and 1:25.71 for seven furlongs before stopping the timer in 1:39.01. Love Tank was another 3-3/4 lengths ahead of third-place finisher Rose Parade (9-2).

Lemonesse paid $3.80 to win, $3 to place and $2.40 to show. She was bred in Kentucky by her owner.

Remington Park racing continues Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 29-31. The first race nightly is 6:30pm-Central.

Remington Park has provided more than $357 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District, Remington Park presents simulcast racing daily and non-stop casino gaming. The 2024 Thoroughbred Season continues through Dec. 13. The Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby takes place on Sunday, Sept. 29. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

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