Scalable surged past long-time leader Barney Takes Charge in the final stretch to win Friday’s $135,000 Ladies Stakes, a nine-furlong event for older mares at Aqueduct Racecourse.
This win represents the second stakes victory for owners Lepore Stables, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, and jockey Kendrick Carmouche, coming just a day after their Listed $150,000 Toboggan victory with Be You. It also marked Pletcher and Carmouche’s third triumph on a day featuring six races.
Carmouche shared his strategy, aiming to keep Scalable close to the leaders to counter Way the Risks, a frequent competitor who had bested Scalable twice in previous listed stakes. “I wanted to be aggressive and position her near the favorites,” said Carmouche. “We stayed inside, which suits this track well, then she really kicked when I tipped her out. Despite cancellations due to cold weather, today felt perfect to challenge the favorites. Thanks to Todd and Lepore for their support.”
Barney Takes Charge, a New York-bred stakes winner piloted by Ruben Silvera, slipped smoothly from post two and set the pace with a swift opening quarter in 24.67 seconds. Way the Risks pressed from second position under Manny Franco while Scalable settled into fifth.
Bernie Takes Charge maintained the lead along the backstretch, closely followed by Way the Risks and a stalking group including Scalable, Low Country Magic, and Carlin’s Girl.
In the final turn, Carmouche urged Scalable forward, and the mare responded with a strong burst, moving from the outside to overtake the pacesetter. By the three-quarters call, Scalable had a slight half-length lead, clocking 1:12.24.
Despite Barney Takes Charge’s tenacity down the stretch, Scalable took command near the sixteenth pole and finished with a two-and-a-quarter length advantage, stopping the clock at 1:51.32. Barney Takes Charge held second by the same margin over Low Country Magic, with Way the Risks, Purloin, and Carlin’s Girl following.
Scalable had finished behind Way the Risks in the previous two races, placing third by 1¾ lengths in the Listed Pumpkin Pie in November and second by 9¾ lengths in the one-turn mile Listed Go for Wand in December.
Todd Pletcher’s New York-based assistant, Stu Hampson, noted the extended distance benefited Scalable. “We hoped she’d settle closer in the stretch—it worked perfectly,” he said. “Kendrick rode her flawlessly, and the mare delivered an excellent performance. We’re very proud.”
This marks Scalable’s third stakes victory, adding to her narrow wins against Gunsong in the 2024 Grade 3 Monmouth Oaks with Paco Lopez aboard, and last year’s Interborough stakes with Carmouche.
“Kendrick knows how to ride her, having done well with her at Interborough last year,” Hampson added. “Today’s stretch was ideal, and she traveled beautifully. Kudos to the entire team.”
Ruben Silvera praised Barney Takes Charge’s effort throughout the race, noting that the horse, trained by Domenic Schettino and coming off Bay Ridge’s recent win over her, put in a strong showing despite needing more conditioning. “She’s from New York and ran very well today. The trainer mentioned she had a day off before the race, so she’ll be even sharper next time,” he said.
Jockey Manny Franco, aboard Way the Risks, acknowledged the horse’s effort but found no excuses for the loss. “I gave her a good rhythm, though she was a bit keen. I don’t think there was much excuse for the outcome,” he said.
Bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, Scalable was purchased for $200,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. She’s by Tapit out of the mare Passionflower, a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Stop Charging Maria, who earned over $3 million for Pletcher and owner Mike Lepore as a 2- and 3-year-old. With this latest win, Scalable improved her record to 16 starts with five wins, two seconds, and two thirds, earning $74,250 for this race. A winning $2 bet on Scalable returned $12.50.
Due to anticipated frigid conditions and dangerously low wind chills expected to impact the New York area, live racing at Aqueduct has been canceled for Saturday and Sunday. However, simulcast betting will remain available. Racing action will resume Wednesday with a nine-race card starting at 12:40 p.m. ET.
Fans can watch daily coverage and analysis of the Aqueduct Winter Games on FOX Sports via America’s Day at the Races. For the broadcast schedule, visit https://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/racing/tv-schedule. NYRA Bets remains the official wagering platform for Aqueduct, accessible nationwide via its app for iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.
This article originally appeared in the Paulick Report on February 6, 2026.
Fan Take: Scalable’s breakthrough victory over a long-time rival highlights the increasing competitiveness among older mares—a thrilling development that should energize fans and invigorate the sport’s stakes scene. With Todd Pletcher’s expert guidance and Kendrick Carmouche’s savvy riding, Scalable’s success underlines the importance of strategic placement and stamina in modern racing.
