Making just her second career start, breeder/owner Jonathan P. Evans’ SMART UNION captured an allowance at Keeneland this afternoon. It’s been a busy, beautiful weekend at the Lexington track with huge crowds in town for the University of Kentucky homecoming yesterday and the annual Family Day today.

Twelve 2-year-old fillies lined up for the 1 1/16 mile maiden special weight on the turf with a beefy $100,000 purse. Smart Union had the benefit of John Velazquez on board for this one. They travelled mid-pack, settled behind a quick pace, then made a sustained move on the grandstand side into the stretch. Bearing down, Smart Union caught and cleared the leaders to get to the wire a length in front.

She rewarded her backers with a payoff of $19.44, $10.10 and $6.26.

Foaled in Kentucky, Smart Union is by Union Rags from Smart Mission, by Smart Strike. Congratulations to Mr. Evans on the win today!