Cathys Princess kept her 2014 season unblemished on Wednesday night by capturing Pompano Park's $10,000 Open Handicap Trot for Wally Hennessey in 1:54.3.
The five-year-old daughter of Malabar Millennium, co-owned by trainer Tom Haughton along with Paul Vance, led at every pole, clocking panels of :27.2, :57.1 and 1:25.4 before sealing the issue with a :28.4 finale.
Not only was it her third straight win to kick off her season, it was her fastest performance of the year, as well, pinning the defeat measuring just short of a length on another mare, Blushing Hanover, driven by Mickey McNichol. Yet another mare -- the third and only other distaffer in the field - -Upfrontluckycarol, handled by Rick Schaut, finished third.
Tug River Dylan and Lugar picked up the final two awards in the octet.
The victory sent the mare's yearly bounty to $11,750 and lifetime bankroll to $96,315.
In a post-race interview, Hennessey said, "Tommy [trainer Haughton] brought this mare back very slowly. She had been off for some time and, boy, did he ever bring her back ready. You know she's led at every pole in all of her three starts and that's not my doing, it was hers. She was ready for action once the gate opened and she did this all on her own...every step of every mile."
As the 4-5 toteboard favorite, Cathys Princess paid $3.60 to win.
(Pompano Park)