by Jenny Blandford

Intangaroo secured her second Grade 1 win of the season, winning by a head over Baroness Thatcher, in the $334,800 Humana Distaff Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Churchill Downs in her first start on a conventional dirt surface.

The Orientate filly entered off a third-place finish in the Las Flores Handicap (G3) on April 6 after posting a narrow with in the Santa Monica Handicap (G1) on February 2, both on Santa Anita Park’s Cushion Track all-weather surface.

Intangaroo handled the switch in surface professionally as she settled into seventh position in the eight-horse field under Alonso Quinonez. Sugar Swirl, the 2-to-1 favorite, and Hystericalady dueled through the early pace, going a quarter-mile in :22.27 and a half-mile in :44.31, with Hystericalady leading the way in early stretch.

Quinonez shifted Intangaroo three wide and unleashed her on the turn, challenging the dueling leaders, and finally putting a head in front at the wire to complete seven furlongs in 1:22.03 on the fast track.

Baroness Thatcher finished second, a nose in front of Hystericalady. 

“I told [Alonso] not to worry about the switch in surface,” trainer Gary Sherlock said. “She gives her all and she rates very well. Alonso rode her perfect.” 

Sherlock said Tom Grether Farms’ Intangaroo could make her next start in the A Gleam Invitational Stakes (G2) on June 28 at Hollywood Park.

Intangaroo improved to four wins in 11 starts, and boosted her earnings to $464,231. Bred by Pollock Farms and Taylor Made Farm, Intangaroo is out of the stakes winning Tasso mare Tasso’s Magic Roo.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Jenny Blandford is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor