Hungarian Princess and Sammy Bermudez rallied home to their second straight stakes victory Wednesday, June 29, in the 26th running of the $100,000 Checkered Flag Stakes at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The duo was unstoppable, winning by more than four lengths for the title.
Hungarian Princess drew an inside post and broke from post two in the eight-horse lineup. Bermudez had her focused early on and was able to get into position down the backstretch in second, following early race leader Everyotherwon and Marcelino Pedroza Jr.
Around the turn, Hungarian Princess began to make her move and took control of the race. She was well in hand heading into the stretch and was under a hand ride to the wire for the win in 1:11.00. Chandana and Rodney Prescott finished second over Wellington Wonder and Joe Ramos, who closed well for third.
Hungarian Princess paid $6.00 as the second favorite of the field. She is now two for two this year and is trained by Marvin Johnson for Tiffany Johnson and Nicholas Goings' Swifty Farms Inc. The 4-year-old Pataky Kid filly is now nine for 16 lifetime with earnings of more than $443,000. Bermudez has been aboard for every one of her starts and has now guided her to five career stakes wins.
“She's older and more mature, but she still has the same running style,” said Bermudez. “When she has a horse in front of her, she pins her ears and goes after them. That is her way of taking on the challenge. Once she gets on the lead then she will relax a little.”
Bermudez and Johnson talked before the race about the early speed and Johnson noted Bermudez followed the plans perfectly.
“I hated our post position we drew, but Sammy was able to maneuver her outside and not get caught in behind horses early on,” said Johnson. “He rode a super race. She is a very nice filly and super to be around. She does everything we ask of her. I'm very privileged to have her.”
Johnson had two in the race. He also trains third place finisher Wellington Wonder, who was a longshot in the race.
“I was very pleased with the way she ran, too” added Johnson. “A couple more jumps and she was getting to the second place horse in there.”
The 20th season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Wednesday, Nov. 23. Live racing is conducted at 2:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday with Thursday post times set for 2:10 p.m. A total of 12 Saturdays will feature live racing in 2022 highlighted by the 28th running of the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby and the 27th running of the Grade 3 $200,000 Indiana Oaks set for Saturday, July 9. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.
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