Passage East won a stretch-long duel with Takethemoneyhoney to claim victory by a nose in Saturday’s $200,000 Barbara Fritchie S. at Laurel Park.
The 4-year-old Audible filly was making her stakes debut in the seven-furlong race that dates back to 1952 and has been won by the likes of Xtra Heat, Lottsa Talc, Tappiano and Tosmah.
This year’s renewal had a field of five, with Takethemoneyhoney the odds-on favorite. Dry Powder and the favorite dueled for the top spot through a half-mile in :45.93. Passage East moved from third to challenge for the lead with three furlongs to run, setting the stage for the dramatic stretch drive. Neither competitor would give in, but Passage East got the better of the battle at the right time and stopped the clock in 1:24 flat on a fast track.
“She impressed me last time,” jockey Sheldon Russell said, referring to Passage East’s win in an overnight handicap last month. “Today she impressed me even more.”
With the win, Passage East is an impressive 8-5-1 in 14 starts and has earned $482,813 for her owner Larry Rabold. The dark bay filly was bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation.
2026 has gotten off to an excellent start for Audible with Splendora, an Eclipse Award finalist last year, winning the inaugural running of the D. Wayne Lukas S. (G2) in her 2026 debut. Audible stands this year for $7,500 S&N.
