Valenzuela Rides Eliza to Keeneland Victory

Eliza took the lead entering the stretch and went on to a record-setting performance in winning the $200,000, Grade II Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday.

Tuning up for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies in two weeks, Eliza covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43 1/5. The previous mark was 1:43 4/5, set by Private Treasure in 1990.

Avie’s Shadow was second, five lengths in front of previously undefeated True Affair, who set a fast early pace.

Eliza, the 4-5 favorite in the field of six 2-year-old fillies, paid $3.60, $2.80 and $2.20. Avie’s Shadow returned $4.20 and $2.60, and True Affair paid $2.40.

The winner, owned by Allen Paulson and ridden by Pat Valenzuela, earned $122,220 for her third victory in four starts. Eliza’s career winnings total $288,020.