Baffert scores Hoosier double, takes G2 Indiana Oaks

Front-running Always a Princess drew off in the stretch of the $200,000 Indiana Oaks (G2) to post her first stakes victory, giving trainer Bob Baffert the first of two graded stakes wins Oct. 2 at Hoosier Park. Lookin At Lucky would win the Indiana Derby (G2) in the race following the Oaks.

Always a Princess dictated a modest pace 1:11 3/5 for six furlongs, and had plenty left to turn back a challenge from Ash Zee and Shaun Bridgmohan on the final turn. She opened up a 1 1/2-length advantage mid-stretch and drew off to win by 3 1/4-lengths, coming home in 1:43 3/5, just one-fifth of a second off Lookin At Lucky’s time a half-hour later.

Owner Arnold Zetcher also bred the winning filly, who is by Leroidesanimaux, in Kentucky. She has had four prior starts, breaking her maiden in her Sept., 2009 debut; then ran second in the Oak Leaf Stakes (G1) and fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). In her only start this year,  she won an optional claiming race at six furlongs at Del Mar Sept. 8 by two lengths.

The chestnut filly earned $121,889 for the victory, boosting her career total to $304,889.