Always a Princess on Cruise Control

Always a Princess seized control of the pace and once again defeated Blind Luck in Sunday's Grade 2 La Canada Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

The field was reduced to four following the defection of Fashion Trend and the outcome was never in doubt.

Always a Princess, under a well-judged ride from Martin Garcia, carved out easy splits of :24.67, :48.66, and 1:12.41. She was chased throughout by Harmonious, who was making her first start on dirt.   

The 4-year-old daughter of Leroidesanimaux spurted away in the lane and Blind Luck rallied from the back to give futile chase.

The winning margin was a convincing 3-1/4 lengths and the Bob Baffert trainee completed her nine furlong journey in 1:48.36.

“I wasn’t surprised (that I was given the lead)," said winning rider Martin Garcia. "You can see in the Form that she was the only speed in the race. If you don’t give her any instructions to go fast, then she can relax, and that’s exactly what happened. I just let her break by herself and tried to get along with her. When I asked her, she just took off. I feel really comfortable and I got to keep going. I feel more than 100 percent. Bob (Baffert) told me it’s going to take a little while to start rolling again and get my confidence back."

Blind Luck was clearly second best and was followed across the line by Harmonious and Life Well Lived.

Always a Princess paid $4.40 to win and earned $90,000 for her victory.