Printemps Returns to Winning Way in Paseana

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Amerman Racing Stables' Printemps, who had been chasing graded stakes competition without success in her last seven races, found the restricted Paseana Handicap to her liking at Santa Anita Wednesday.

The 6-year-old mare rallied from last in the field of seven to win the $79,500 event by three lengths under jockey Laffit Pincay Jr.

It was the 9,493rd career victory for the 56-year-old Pincay, number one in that category. Printemps is trained by Hall of Famer Ron McAnally, the conditioner of Paseana, for whom the race was named.

Printemps won the Santa Lucia Handicap and the Hawthorne Handicap (gr. II) in 2001 in her first two starts in the United States after arriving from her native Chile. She had been winless in seven subsequent races, although never finishing worse than fourth.

"I knew she was too close to the pace in her last race and I made up my mind to be patient with her today," Pincay said. "She had plenty of energy at the head of the lane and I knew then she was going to win."

Printemps, a daughter of Hussonet, paid $5 as the 3-2 favorite and earned $47,700 for her eighth win from 17 starts. Time for 1 1/16 mile on a fast track was 1:42.95 under 120 pounds.

Rhiana, ridden by Julie Krone, was second, two lengths in front of 17-10 second choice Angel Gift, ridden by David Flores.

(Chart, Equibase)

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