Azeri captures Spinster Stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Lexington, KY (Sports Network) - Former Horse of the Year Azeri bided her time on the

 way to a three-length victory in the $500,000 Overbrook Spinster Stakes at Keeneland.

Ridden by Pat Day, the six-year-old mare covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.74. Coming

 into the race, Azeri had just one win in her last five starts. This year she has won three of

seven starts for $905,000. The Spinster Stakes win pushes her career earnings to $3.95 million.

The start in the Spinster Stakes was good for all seven horses. Long-shot Tamweel took

 the lead shortly after the start with Azeri close behind. Around the clubhouse and up the

 backstretch Tamweel maintained a short lead over the favorite.

Around the turn for home Azeri drew even with Tamweel and the two ladies raced together

 until mid-stretch. Azeri then took control of the race as she easily pulled away. Finishing

second was Tamweel with Mayo On the Side third. Completing the order of finish was

One for Rose, La Reason, Angela's Love and House of Fortune.

Azeri returned $2.80, $2.20 and $2.10. Tamweel paid $4.60 and $2.10, and

Mayo On the Side paid $2.10 for show.

Next stop for the three-time Eclipse Award winner is the Breeders' Cup at Lone Star Park

 in Texas. Her owners, the Allen Paulson Living Trust, and trainer D.Wayne Lukas have

 not decided if Azeri will run in the Distaff or the Classic. Azeri won the 2002

Breeders' Cup Distaff.