Summerhill Stables’ Mink’s Palace stormed down the center of Turfway Park Racing & Gaming’s stretch to go from last-to-first in Sunday’s 39th running of the $250,000 Holiday Inaugural presented by Claiborne Farm.
Ridden by Holiday Meet leading jockey Walter Rodriguez for trainer Eddie Kenneally, Mink’s Palace completed six furlongs in a sharp 1:09.48.
The pace was hot early in the Holiday Inaugural with a four-way battle for the lead between Ms. Tart at the rail, Ellen Jay in the two path, Lithe Spirit three wide and Civetta four wide. While the quartet blitzed an opening quarter-mile in :21.93, Rodriguez and Mink’s Palace continued to bide their time in eighth until they reached the far turn. At the top of the stretch, Ms. Tart and Ellen Jay attempted to kick clear of 3-2 favorite Pondering, who loomed large in third. Mink’s Palace was fifth at the top of the stretch but Rodriguez positioned her into the six-path and was able to power home late for a 2 ¼-length victory.
Pondering, under Irad Ortiz Jr., closed late to finish second, a neck in front of Ms. Tart. They were followed by Lithe Spirit, Ellen Jay, Civetta, Uphill Dance and Shezafunkydrummer.
Sent off at odds of 12-1 Mink’s Palace returned $26.28.
Mink’s Palace earned her connections $150,280 for the victory to boost her career total to $657,078. It was the fifth win of her 15-race career.
Mink’s Palace is a 4-year-old daughter of Palace Malace out of the Scat Daddy mare Scattering Mink. She was bred by her owner.
The Holiday Inaugural is part of the Claiborne Farm “Make Your Mare” series where the top three finishers will receive stallion credits to the famed farm on a $10,000-$5,000-$2,500 scale.
On Thursday, the American Graded Stakes Committee notified Turfway Park that starting in 2026, the Holiday Inaugural would be upgraded to a Listed stakes.
Unedited Press Release by Kevin Kerstein – Turfway Park
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