Saratoga Springs, NY (Sports Network) - Storm Flag Flying wore down leading mare Azeri to capture
Friday's $400,000 Personal Ensign Handicap at Saratoga Race Course. Both ladies were racing at 1 1/4
miles for the first time in their careers.
Former Horse of the Year Azeri was sent off as the 3-5 favorite in the five- horse field. She was coming
off a win in the Go for Wand Handicap at Saratoga where she defeated Storm Flag Flying.
The pace in the Personal Ensign was set by Roar Emotion with Azeri right behind her. Storm Flag Flying
was running third followed by Nevermore and Board Elligible. Azeri drew even with Roar Emotion with
about half-mile to go.
Around the turn home Azeri, ridden by Pat Day, put away Roar Emotion to take the lead. Storm Flag Flying
had John Velazquez in the saddle and began her move on the outside. The two females battle down the
stretch with Storm Flag Flying finally taking the lead inside the 1/16th pole. The winner was one length in
front at the wire. Finishing third was Nevermore followed by Board Elligible and Roar Emotion.
The time for the Personal Ensign was 2:03.63.
Storm Flag Flying is owned by Ogden Mills Phipps and trained by Shug McGaughey. This was the fillies
third win of the year in six starts and was worth $240,000. Storm Flag Flying has earned nearly $1.5
million in her career. Overall she has won 7 of 12 lifetime starts, including the 2002 Breeders' Cup
Juvenile Fillies race.
Storm Flag Flying returned $6.30, $2.50 and $2.10. Azeri paid $2.30 and 42.10, and Nevermore paid
$2.10 for show.
