Horseplayers that dismissed Olivine at odds of nearly 11-1 weren’t the only ones surprised after the filly led start to finish in Sunday’s $69,745 Busher for three-year-old fillies.

“I didn’t think she could be on the lead,” said winning trainer David Donk after the race. “I’m still not sure what everyone else was doing.”

Well, from the opening bell of the Busher, everyone else was chasing Olivine, a three-year-old filly by Royal Academy. Under jockey C.C. Lopez, Olivine set fractions of :23 4/5 and :47 3/5 before she kicked away for a comfortable five-length score over last month’s Busanda winner, Sagamoon. Following Sagamoon in order finish was Bare Dancer, My Kitty, Rosie’s Attitude and 8-5 favorite Margie’s Smile, who was previously unbeaten.

The Busher was the stakes debut for Olvine, a homebred of William J. Punk and Philip DiLeo. Last month, she broke her maiden in her third start using a strong off-the-pace running style.

“I know there was other speed in the race, but once she broke so sharp I said ‘I’ll have problems if I go into take-back mode,’” said jockey C.C. Lopez. “She left there running and I was able to do my thing. She ran powerful. The only reason why I hit her is because she wasn’t switching her lead and I wanted her to do that.”

Donk, naturally pleased with the performance of Olivine, was unsure where the filly would start next.

“Now we’ve got some options for her,” he said. “We’ll see what stakes are around.”