Escena - (93) Strawberry Road (Aus)-Claxton's Slew, by Seattle Slew
Allen Paulson's homebred, Escena, began the year in the shadow of her Eclipse Award winning stablemate, Ajina. She would finish the year as one of the leading candidates for an Eclipse Award for Older Fillie or Mare.
After a prep race where she finished second in the Sabin Handicap (gr. III), Escena began a four race winning streak in the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn Park. When B.A. Valentine set fast early fractions, Escena saved ground and then charged to the lead at the top of the stretch. She held off a challenge by Glitter Woman in the stretch to win by 2-1/2 lengths in time 1:40 1/5 for the 1 1/16 miles. For Escena, the Apple Blossom was her first grade 1 win on the dirt, although she had won the Ramona Handicap (gr. IT) on turf in 1997. It was Escena's announcement to watch out, because she would go on to be the filly to watch all year.
May 1, on Kentucky Derby Eve, Escena scored a four-length victory in the $250,000 Louisville Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II). She took the lead from Belle's Flag on the turn and extended it through the stretch to win in time 1:44.84. She then won the $300,000 Fleur de Lis (gr. III) on Belmont Stakes Day, June 6, by six lengths over One Rich Lady, who was 1-1/2 lengths in front of Tomisue's Delight.
In her next start, Escena beat a depleted California field in the $350,000 Vanity Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park. Perhaps she was getting tired, having run since February, because Escena's next race was a puzzler. The $400,000 Personal Ensign (gr. I), also at Saratoga, pitted her against Aldiza in a rematch going 1-1/4 miles. Escena led until the stretch, but she faded and Tomisue's Delight passed her and went on to win by two. Escena faded to sixth.
Jerry Bailey chose to ride Banshee Breeze, the star 3-year-old, instead of Escena, so Bill Mott opted for Gary Stevens in the Breeders Cup Distaff (gr. I). Escena took the lead, as expected, with Tap to Music and Kirby's Song following her. By the head of the stretch, Escena was in front by two lengths, but Banshee Breeze was hard on her trail. Together, they pulled away from the field, with Banshee Breeze eating into Escena's lead. Within the final 16th of a mile, Banshee Breeze pulled even with her older rival, but Escena hit the wire a nose in front. Escena had won the Distaff in time 1:49.89.
Her lifetime record was 29: 11-9-3. In the middle of the season, Escena had put together a four-race win streak which included two grade 1 victories. She now has retired and will be sold at the 1999 January Keeneland sale.