Proper Discretion takes Diana Stakes at Thistledown

Proper Discretion set a hot pace at JACK Thistledown Racino Saturday to win the $75,000 Diana Stakes by 8 1/4 lengths over La Nina Bronca in second and another three-quarters of a length over Mayas Queen Neetee in third. The winner sailed through the six-furlong test for Ohio-bred fillies and mares in 1:09.82.

 

The Diana was the second straight stakes win for Proper Discretion, coming 19 days after she won the Scarlet & Gray Handicap at Thistledown.

 

Ridden by Ricardo Feliciano for trainer Tony Rini, Proper Discretion was up quickly to take the lead and battled briefly with Chain Yanker and Mayas Queen Neetee, the latter in search of her sixth straight win. At first call in 22.06, she was a length ahead. At the half-mile mark in 45.20, she had gained another half length. Entering the stretch in 57.28, she answered the question by rocketing from four lengths ahead to her final widening margin.

 

“She ran a huge race, really impressive,” said Rini. “Coming out the one hole, Ricky had to get her out of there, but she was on cruise control after that and when he asked her in the stretch she just exploded. The credit goes to (owner) Ron Paolucci. He gives me the ammo. I just have to pull the trigger.”

 

Chain Yanker was fourth, followed by Fast Justice. Ali Blue, last year’s winner Justalittlesmoke and Orientate to Luv scratched.

 

The bettors’ favorite at 2-5, Proper Discretion paid $2.80 to win and $2.20 to place. With the field scratched down to five, show wagering was not offered.

 

Proper Discretion is campaigned by Paolucci’s Loooch Racing Stables Inc. and was bred by Bruce Talisman. By Discreetly Mine out of Prizes, by Prized, the 4-year-old filly now boasts 10 wins, two seconds and three thirds from 17 starts for earnings of $329,666.