Fast as Flight stalked a not-so-fast pace into the stretch run of the $386,334 Modesty Stakes (G3T) May 3 at Churchill Downs, took over the lead when asked by jockey Jose Ortiz, and held off a slew of challengers to land the 20-1 upset win.
Sparkle Blue and Aspen Grove were running late to take second and third, respectively, as Fast as Flight finished the 1 1/8 miles on yielding turf in 1:50.63.
The 6-year-old Air Force Blue mare landed her first graded stakes victory and fifth overall.
Starting from the inside gate, Fast as Flight saved ground until the final furlong. She took the lead from pacesetting Heavenly Sunday at the sixteenth pole and survived Sparkle Blue's late run by one length. The favorite, Surprisingly, lost position at the start, was stuck in traffic for most of the race, and never reached contention.
Fast as Flight, making her second start for trainer Martin Drexler and owner TEC Racing, was last seen finishing second in the Sand Springs Stakes at Gulfstream Park March 30, going 1 1/16 miles. Drexler said the inside draw helped her with the added distance.
"When we drew the one hole, I was really excited," he said. "It was a perfect trip."
Fast as Flight, bred in Kentucky by Pursuit of Success, is out of the Tiznow mare Tiznow Peace.
