by Jeff Apel

Stonerside Stable’s homebred Skylighter overtook runner-up Shining Image near midstretch and surged clear in the closing strides for a three-length win in the $406,400 Indiana Oaks (G2) on Friday at Hoosier Park.

Positioned near the inside rail at the start by jockey Eddie Castro, Skylighter raced in fifth through a half-mile in :47.20. Angled out on the second turn, the Sky Mesa filly moved up to second in early stretch, a head behind Grade 2-placed stakes winner Shining Image, before seizing command en route to earning her first stakes win.

“I stayed on the inside until the final turn and then got to make my move on the outside,” Castro said. “She responded well and moved past the leaders in the lane. This is the first time I had ever ridden her, but she responded well.”

Whirlie Bertie maintained a one-length lead against Shining Image through the backstretch. Shining Image opened a half-length lead through six furlongs in 1:12.60 but was quickly engaged by Skylighter, who rallied three wide.

Kicking clear near the finish, Skylighter won the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:44.80 on a track rated as fast.

Shining Image finished 2 1/4 lengths clear of multiple graded stakes-placed winner and third-place finisher Dubai Majesty. Grade 3 winner Sky Mom, the 1.90-to-1 favorite in the field of ten three-year-old fillies, finished fourth.

Bobby Frankel trains Skylighter, a bay filly who entered off two consecutive wins at Belmont Park in races that were also contested at 1 1/16 miles. After posting a neck win in a maiden special weight race on May 11, Skylighter earned a 1 3/4-length victory in an allowance/optional claiming race on July 10.

Skylighter earned her third win in eight starts and increased her earnings to $327,240. Bred in Kentucky, Skylighter is one of two winners from as many starters out of the winning Broad Brush mare Painted Lady, a full sister to multiple stakes winner Nobo True and a half sister to Grade 3 winner Thunder Kitten.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Jeff Apel is an assistant editor of Thoroughbred Times TODAY