by Bob Ehalt
Hystericalady had a tough act to top.
In the 2007 Molly Pitcher Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G2), she won easily, taking the 1 1/16-mile race by 6 ¼ lengths as the 7-to-5 favorite.
In Sunday’s 63rd edition of the Molly Pitcher, she was even more impressive. Taking charge approaching the quarter pole, Hystericalady coasted to an easy eight-length victory under Robby Albarado as the overwhelmong 1-to-10 favorite.
“She always does more than we expect of her,” winning trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said.
Hystericalady completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.31 on a track rated as fast.
The win was the second in three starts at Monmouth Park for the five-year-old Distorted Humor mare. Her lone defeat at Monmouth was one of her most gallant efforts, a neck loss to Ginger Punch in the 2007 Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).
The Molly Pitcher victory was also the third straight for the Hystericalady, who previously won the Delaware Handicap (G2) on July 13 and the Fleur De Lis Handicap (G2) on June 14 at Churchill Downs.
Hystericalady broke sharply but allowed Rolling Sea to set the pace through fractions of :24.22 and :48.43. Once she powered to the lead on the final turn, the only outcome in doubt was the battle for the runner-up spot.
“I just tried to keep her out of trouble,” Albarado said. “I was just a passenger today. I can’t take credit for this one.”
Rolling Star held off 6.60-to-1 second choice Lexi Star by 1 ¼ lengths for second. Lexi Star was second to Hystericalady in last year’s Molly Pitcher.
Owned by Rancho San Miguel, Hollendorfer, and Dr. George Todaro, Hystericalady was bred in Kentucky by Abbott Properties. She was purchased by her current owners for $125,000 at the 2004 Keeneland September yearling sale.
Out of Chilean champion Sacramentada (Chi), Hystericalady improved to 11 wins in 21 career starts and boosted her earnings to $2,290,556.
Hollendorfer said Hystericalady could start in the Lady’s Secret Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park on September 27 or train up to the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) on October 24.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Bob Ehalt is a Connecticut-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent