2009 Cicada Stakes (G3) - Heart Ashley
588 views · Published 14 March 2009 · 1:34 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: The New York Racing Association · 2009 · Music
On paper, Zayat Stables Heart Ashley looked as though she would stalk the pace in Saturdays 17th running of the Grade 3, $107,300 Cicada at Aqueduct Racetrack.
But when the gates opened, the Lion Heart filly got the jump on five other three-year-old fillies, including favored Dream Play. And that was ideal for her jockey, C.C. Lopez, who is known as an ideal fit for a speed horse.
Lopez let her run, and Heart Ashley got stronger each spilt, going in 22.37, 44.71, 56.67 and finally scoring a 2 ½-length victory over Dream Play in the six-furlong sprint on the fast inner dirt track.
It was her third win in five career starts, and she returned $11.80 as the third choice of the crowd of 4,269.
I was conscious that they like to see her from just off the pace, Lopez said. I didnt think I was faster than the 1-horse (favored Dream Play), but when my horse hopped out the way she did and I didnt see Dream Play in front of me right away, I meant to get in front of them and make it difficult. She was ticking right off without me even asking and she just danced away from them.
Dream Play survived a claim of foul to secure the place, while One Smokin Lady, Daily Star, Purrfect Bluff and Love That Dance trailed
