Miss Leslie wins $500,000 Delaware H. (G2) by a record 12 lengths

Paynter’s six-time listed winner Miss Leslie is now a graded stakes winner following her dominating performance in Saturday’s $500,000 Delaware H. (G2). The 4-year-old filly drew off in the stretch for a 12-length victory in her first attempt at 1 ¼-miles.

The dark bay filly handled the sloppy going easily under a confident rider from Angel Cruz. She tracked a couple lengths off the lead through six furlongs in a moderate 1:13.73. Going into the final turn, Cruz took Miss Leslie three-wide past the leaders with ease, effectively ending the race. She lead by five coming into the stretch and was all alone the rest of the way, winning in a gallop.

“I just cruised along with her. She just kept going,” said Cruz. “I only hit her twice and she just galloped. I looked back and I was home free. It was a nice performance and I did not expect to win like that. She was ready today.”

Miss Leslie has a stellar record of 10-3-2 from 22 starts, with earnings $865,650 for trainer Claudio Gonzalez and owner BB Horses.

Bred in Kentucky by Maxis Stables, Miss Leslie is out of Zeenut and a half-sister to stakes winner Zyxyz. Miss Leslie is Paynter’s fifth lifetime graded stakes winner and one of his 40 worldwide stakes winners.