Watch the stretch run

 

Winter View, who was still last with a quarter of a mile to go, closed with a flourish under jockey Julien Leparoux to win the $150,000, Grade 3 Grey Goose Bewitch Stakes Thursday at Keeneland.

 

The 5-year-old daughter of Thunder Gulch caught the leaders with a sixteenth of a mile remaining in the 1 ½-mile turf race and finished two lengths in front of Communique.

 

Earlier in the meeting, Winter View rallied from last place in an allowance to earn a start in the Bewitch.  “We didn’t want to change a thing today, no matter the pace,” said Leparoux.  “We knew it was going to be a slow pace but she ran very well.”

 

Communique, who was seeking a second consecutive victory in the Bewitch, was a neck in front of third-place Dress Reherarsal (IRE) in the field of seven fillies and mares.  Caprice (GER) finished fourth.

 

The time was 2:34.11 on the firm turf.

 

It was the fourth win in 20 career starts for Winter View, who increased her career earnings to $206,379.  She also gave owner George Strawbridge Jr. and trainer Jonathan Sheppard their third graded stakes victories of the spring meeting.

 

Leparoux has won four stakes during the season.

 

“Julien gave her a beautiful ride,” said Sheppard.  “I was a little concerned about the slow fractions, but I know that’s her style and it’s not good to alter it.  We discussed that ahead of time because on paper it didn’t look like there would be much speed.”

 

The winner paid $11.60 as the third choice in the wagering.