by Jeff Apel

Against the Sky gained command approaching the stretch three wide and increased her winning streak to six races by posting a three-quarter-length victory in the $115,037 Ballerina Stakes (Can-G3) on Saturday at Hastings Race Course.

Trained by Craig MacPherson for owner Bob Leffler, Against the Sky has raced exclusively at Hastings throughout a four-year career, which includes $203,174 in purse earnings and 11 wins in 22 starts. The Regal Remark mare earned her first stakes win in her previous start, the Delta Colleen Handicap on September 20, and is unbeaten in every subsequent start since opening her six-year-old campaign with a runner-up finish in a claiming race on May 25.

Against the Sky, who was ridden by Francisco Fuentes, raced in seventh in the field of eight in the Ballerina through a half-mile in :47.52. After moving up to third through six furlongs in 1:12.24, Against the Sky quickly gained command and opened a two-length lead in early stretch.

Turning back a late bid from runner-up and 9-to-10 favorite Lady Raj, Against the Sky won the 1 1/8-mile race in 1:51.04 on a fast track.

Multiple stakes winner Lady Raj finished two lengths clear of third-place finisher and Canadian Grade 3 winner Blue Sky Holiday.

Against the Sky was bred in British Columbia by Samantha Shead, John Shone, and Jacqui Shone and is out of the winning Taj Alriyadh mare Taj Ah Dawn.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Jeff Apel is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor