Mott-trained filly romps in Ashland

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Running on just a week’s rest proved to be easy for Emollient, who scored a 9-length victory in Saturday’s Grade I Ashland Stakes at Keeneland.

The reward of making the Kentucky Oaks and the belief that she was better than last Saturday’s fifth-place effort in the Gulfstream Oaks made it worth taking the chance on a quick turnaround, Juddmonte Farms Manager Garrett O’Rourke said. Emollient, trained by Bill

Mott, made the decision pay off in the $500,000 stakes race for 3-year-old fillies. Ridden by Mike

Smith, Emollient took the lead from the far 13th post and didn’t let up after setting the pace near the rail at the first turn.

“With the 13, you never know how they’re going to break,” said Rodolphe Brisset, an assistant to Mott. “You never know if you’re going to have pressure, but we knew what she could do and I guess she showed everybody today.”

Emollient, bred in Kentucky, ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.49 and returned $14.40, $8.40 and 5.80. Tuttipaesi paid $ 5.80 and $4.40, while Kitten’s Point paid $5.20 to show.

Emollient’s second victory this year and third in six career starts earned $300,000 and 100 points toward qualifying for the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 3. Emollient entered the day with just four points in the standings, which will determine eligibility for the Oaks field if more than 14 horses are entered.