Yaupon filly gets first graded win in $750,000 Charles Town Oaks (G2)

Yaupon’s 3-year-old filly Niche went gate-to-wire to win the $750,000 Charles Town Oaks (G2) by a half-length over post-time favorite At a Premium, who was second the entire seven-furlong trip.

Niche was making her graded stakes debut following a solid second-place finish in last month’s Lady Erie S. at Presque Isle Downs. The bay filly is the sixth graded stakes winner this year for Yaupon, who is the across-the-board leader of the Second-Crop Sire list.

Niche’s quick start gave her a one-length advantage through the first quarter-mile. With three furlongs to go, both Niche and At a Premium began to quicken and separated themselves from the field. In the stretch, At a Premium could get no closer than a neck as Niche repeatedly repelled the challenge to secure the win.

With the win, Niche is now 3-1-0 in eight starts and has earned $555,108 for owner Red, White and Blue Racing LLC. Niche was bred in Florida by Summerfield Sales Agency, Inc. & Etarip Stables and is a half-sister to stakes winners Corona Bolt and Proven Strategies.