Eskimo Kisses exploded from well off the pace to a resonding 6 1/2 length victory over She's a Julie in the Grade 1 Alabama. Midnight Bisou finished a disappointing third as the  6-5 favorite. Jose Ortiz rode the winner for trainer Ken McPeek. 

Talk Veuve to Me set a lively pace in the 1 1/4 mile Alabama. Ortiz kept Eskimo Kisses about 15 lengths off the early leader who posted a demanding 46.79 opening half-mile split. Eskimo Kisses advanced to closer contention on the second turn, readily overtook the tiring leader near the eighth pole and drew off with complete authority. She's a Julie raced forwardly and withstood her stable mate Midnight Bisou to finish second.  Midnight Bisou moved within easy striking distance of the leader on the final bend but could not sustain her rally through the stretch.

Eskimo Kisses, a daughter of To Honor and Serve, paid $20.00

David Grening will have the complete details on Eskimo Kisses first Grade 1 win up shortly on drf.com.