By Josh Cook
Kiddari seems to like Churchill Downs, just like her momma.
The 4-year-old homebred daughter of 2004 Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones, won the feature race Friday night in front of a "Downs After Dark" record crowd of 32,481 at Churchill Downs.
Kiddari, of Summer Wind Farm, held off Vertical Vision in the last eighth of a mile to capture the $66,500-added Roxelana overnight stakes for fillies and mares by 1 3/4-lengths.
Ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan, and trained by Bill Mott, Kiddari covered the seven furlongs in 1 minute, 23.50 seconds. She paid $17 to win, $8 to place and $5 to show. Vertical Vision, ridden by Victor Lebron, returned $7.20 and $5.60 edging Be Fair. The Calvin Borel-mount paid $3.80 to show.
Kiddari's third win in as many starts at Churchill Downs, and fifth in 14 career starts, was worth $40,800 and increased her all-time earnings to $181,992.
Friday was the final night of "Downs After Dark" racing for the summer. Thanks to a big turnout Friday night the four "Downs After Dark" dates averaged an attendance of 27,139. There will also be a pair of "Downs After Dark" dates in the fall - Oct. 31 and Nov. 19.
Racing continues Saturday, with an 11-race program, at Churchill Downs before the 42-day Spring Meet ends Sunday with 11 races that begin at 12:45 p.m. It will also mark the return of 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the Grade II Firecracker Handicap.
