Curalina dominates Race 3 on 2015 Kentucky Oaks undercard

Curalina turned in a catchy performance in Friday’s third race at Churchill Downs, drawing off brilliantly to win by a commanding 8 ¼-length margin.

Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez, Curalina has now won two straight. She was favored at 6-5 in the 1 1/16-mile main track allowance for three-year-old fillies and paid $4.40 to win after stopping the teletimer in 1:44.71.

By two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, the chestnut filly closely tracked the pace in third before advancing to challenge at the conclusion of the far turn and the outcome was never in doubt in the final furlongs.

Second when making her debut last August, Curalina was exiting a one-length maiden win at Gulfstream Park. The Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ colorbearer sold for $125,000 as a Keeneland September yearling.

Curalina was bred in Kentucky and represented the third straight winner, and second on dirt, to race prominently in the early stages.