It was a “beautiful ride up the rail” from Angel Suarez  that earned GRAND OAK (IRE) the win in a 5-furlong sprint at Tampa Bay Downs this afternoon. Six 3-year-old fillies went to post in the optional allowance on the turf, and they meant business – setting sharp fractions of 21.58 and 44.84.

Angel sat 5th down the backside, saving ground on the rail. When the leaders moved off and opened up a spot, Grand Oak (IRE) responded powerfully to his urging and shot through to draw off, hitting the wire 3 3/4 lengths in front.

“It definitely felt great winning for the barn,” Angel said. “They were cruising pretty good. She ran like a nice horse today – she showed what we’ve been waiting for her to show.”

The Speightstown filly is out of the stakes placed Arcano (IRE) mare Lady Oak (IRE). She was bred by SF Bloodstock and purchased at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Horses of Racing Age sale last July as a 2-year-old after breaking her maiden at Churchill Downs in May.

Owned by Carl F. and Yurie Pascarella and Herringswell Racing Club II, she won today in the familiar red and blue striped Herringswell colors. Congrats to all on this very stylish win!