Heavily favored Princess Taylor benefited from a perfect trip under
jockey Victor Espinoza to win the featured $84,775 California
Thoroughbred Trainers -- TOC Stakes Friday.
Sent postward at 3-5 to win the mile and three-eighths marathon over
the infield Jimmy Durante Turf Course, Princess Taylor assumed a stalking
position in second place as Gripsholm Castle set a moderate pace.
In the upper stretch, Princess Taylor was guided to the rail by
Espinoza, responded to take the lead from Gripsholm Castle and then held
off the late challenge of 8-1 outsider Catsalot to win by a half-length in
2:14.83.
Catsalot, who was piloted by Brice Blanc, rallied strongly to be
runner-up in the field of six older fillies and mares, a half-length in front
of the fading Gripsholm Castle.
Princess Taylor, owned by Dr. Ronan Lambe and trained by Paddy
Gallagher, returned $3.20, $2.60 and $2.10 after her fourth victory in 36
outings. She earned $47,355 to push her career bankroll to $232,325. In her
previous race, she was third to unbeaten champion Zenyatta in the Clement L.
Hirsch Stakes August 7.
Catsalot paid $5.40 and $2.60, while Gripsholm Castle returned $2.20
to show.