Funny Proposition upsets Royal Delta in Fleur de Lis

Jun 16, 2013 - 1:02 AM Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - Funny Proposition, ridden by Joel Rosario, took the lead at the start and pulled away from champion mare Royal Delta down the stretch to win Saturday night's $175,000 Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Mark Casse, Funny Proposition put on a front running exhibition in the 1 1/8-mile Fleur de Lis. The 4-year-old filly set the pace the entire race and put away Royal Delta, the 3-10 favorite, to register a five-length victory over the defending race winner.

Funny Proposition, the 5-1 third pick in the five-horse field, covered the distance in 1:50.22 on a fast track.

Finishing third was 7-2 second choice She's All In followed by Ice Cream Silence and Wine Princess.

Owned by John Oxley, Funny Proposition recorded her first stakes win with the Fleur de Lis. The victory was worth $115,000 to bring the filly's career earnings to $230,000 with four wins in nine starts.

All four of her wins have come at Churchill Downs, including her most recent start. Funny Proposition was coming off a win in an optional claiming race four weeks ago at Churchill. She broke her maiden in her debut race two years ago at Churchill Downs and notched her second career victory under the Twin Spires in May of last year.

Royal Delta, a two-time Eclipse Award winner, was making her first start since the Dubai World Cup on March 30 when she finished 10th behind Animal Kingdom who was ridden by Rosario.

Funny Proposition returned $13.40 and $4.20. Royal Delta, ridden by Mike Smith, paid $2.10. There was no show wagering.