One Tough Lass took command after the quarter and never looked back en route to a convincing victory in $150,920 second heat of the 44th Kentucky Filly Futurity Final on Friday at The Red Mile.
Lantern Kronos, who won the first elimination and was the probable favourite heading into the Filly Futurity, was scratched out of the second heat, leaving nine fillies to contest the Final.
When the gates opened, Diana Hall (Ron Pierce) had the most early step, setting an opening panel of :28.2, but as soon as that time flashed up, Tim Tetrick guided One Tough Lass from the rail and they seized control down the backside. The three-year-old Muscles Yankee – Timberlassie filly stopped the half-mile beam in :55.4 while bracing for the first-over challenge from Ontario-sired Bella Dolce (Paul MacDonell).
Bella Dolce was unable to get to One Tough Lass' wheel around the turn and following a third stanza in 1:24.4, Tetrick asked One Tough Lass to trot away. That request posed no problem for the filly as she coasted to a three and a half-length triumph in 1:52.4.
Diana Hall finished in the place spot while Poster Pin Up (Brian Sears) was third.
John Erdner and William Neumeister co-own One Tough Lass, who now has six wins in 12 starts on the season. The Ross Croghan trainee has eight lifetime victories and boasts earnings of $257,797.