Ema Bovary Tests Her Streak

Ema Bovary, who has lost once in nine starts since arriving from Chile, takes on five other fillies and mares in today’s $175,000 Vinery Madison Stakes at Keeneland.

Owned by Richard Beal and Lana Ramsey and trained by Larry Ross, Ema Bovary, a 5-year-old daughter of Edgy Diplomat, was beaten in her first start in the U.S. but has rattled off eight wins in a row -- one via disqualification -- since March 23, 2003.

If she is to make it nine consecutive victories, Ema Bovary must beat a field that includes multiple stakes winners Yell, Harmony Lodge, Lady Tak and Buffythecenterfold as well as longshot Virgin Voyage.

Trained by Todd Pletcher for owners Eugene and Laura Melnyk, Harmony Lodge is the richest member of the Madison cast with $755,120 in earnings.

A winner of 10 of 20, she has won half of her six races at seven furlongs.

Race of the day: Rahy Dolly, second in the Hollywood Starlet Dec. 21, drops out of three consecutive graded stakes to face eight other 3-year-old fillies in today’s seventh at Santa Anita.

One for the road: Coherent will try to remain unbeaten for trainer Alan Goldberg in today’s seventh, a $58,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles on the turf, at Keeneland.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Double D Appeal in the first, Slew’em And Run and Two Thirty Seven in the second and Lasting Tribute, Ya Lajwaad, Snipewalk and American Son in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/219. Money: Previous day/meet total: $16.60/$1,158.60. Total money bet: $1,274.