First runner is a winner for Spendthrift Farm stallion Wicked Strong

Three freshman sires were represented by their first starters in a $60,000 maiden special weight at Keeneland on Sunday, and all three hit the board despite the rainy conditions.

Finishing in front was two-year-old filly Secretly Wicked, a daughter of Spendthrift Farm's Wicked Strong. Breaking midpack under jockey Paco Lopez, the chestnut filly pressed the pace outside of Competitive Queen - the first starter for Ashford Stud's Competitive Edge - who led the field through the first quarter-mile in :23.05.

Holding on to a slim lead at the top of the stretch, Secretly Wicked moved up three wide to take control, duelled briefly with Competitive Queen, and finally edged away to win by a half-length.

Despite a late start, Palace Duchess - the first starter for Spendthrift Farm's Palace - moved up between rivals in a late rally for third. The final time for the 4½f sprint was :54.05 over a sloppy (sealed) track.

Bred in Kentucky by Nancy Shuford, Secretly Wicked is the first foal of the Congrats mare Secret Congrats, who has a Strong Mandate yearling colt and a Competitive Edge colt foaled last month.

Owned and trained by Jack Hancock, Secretly Wicked was a $1,300 RNA from the consignment of Elm Tree Farm to the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

Wicked Strong, who ran the fastest time of 1:49.31 in the 2015 Wood Memorial Stakes since the record was previously set in 2005, retired to Spendthrift as Hard Spun 's most accomplished son in North America with earnings of $1,994,460.

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