Defiant Honor back to brilliant in Riskaverse

by Michael Adolphson

Phillips Racing Partnership and Pam Gartin's Defiant Honor made amends for her loss last out in the Grade 3 Lake George, capturing the ninth running of the $100,000 Riskaverse for 3-year-old fillies on Thursday at Saratoga Race Course.

The Jimmy Toner-trained filly stalked comfortably in second as 2-1 favorite Cherry Lodge carved out fractions of 23.67 seconds for the quarter mile with the half going in 49.15. Commencing her rally under Jose Lezcano, Defiant Honor challenged around the far turn to prevail by a half length. Seizing command at the head of the lane, she pulled clear and then held off a late rally from Fizzy Friday. It was another 2 1/4 lengths back to 44-1 longshot Bernardiva. The final time on firm turf was 1:35.67.

"I broke inside the speed and let my filly get comfortable," Lezcano said. "I wasn't worried about the slow pace and whether I'd be able to close with her. I was in the position where I wanted to be the whole way of the race. She was doing it very easy and I knew I had plenty of horse under me. When I asked her at the quarter-pole, she went on with it and performed very good."

Added Toner: "She ran well today. [Lezcano] rode a great race on her and didn't choke her up at all. She was good all the way from there, so we're very happy. Last time, she got choked down pretty good, but not through anybody's fault. But the way the race [sixth in the Grade 3 Lake George] set up, she got stuck behind horses and it just made the situation worse for her. Everything worked out today. It's all good."

Toner indicated that a return to graded stakes company is imminent for the daughter of Speightstown, who improved her record to three wins and a second from six starts. Off at 5-1, Defiant Honor returned $13 for a $2 win bet. She improved her career bankroll to $172,015.

Chubby Star, Cherry Lodge, Let It Ride Mom, Danceland, Berned, Talaaqy, Jordan's Henny, Lido, and Pretty City Dancer completed the order of finish