Princess Pelona Takes Sloppy 'Guest

Pope McLean's Princess Pelona, making her first start since February, showed no signs of rustiness en route to a front-running, 4½-length tally in the $38,000 Reluctant Guest Handicap Saturday at Arlington Park.

Eusebio Razo Jr. rode the daughter of El Prado, who covered one mile over a muddy track in 1:37.84.

The Reluctant Guest for fillies and mares was originally carded to be run at about one mile on the turf but was transferred to the main track after heavy rains pelted the area over the last several days.

Trained by Greg Geier, Princess Pelona won for the second time in three starts this year. The 4-year-old filly captured her seasonal debut against allowance company at the Fair Grounds in January and then ran third in the $100,000 Chou Croute Handicap at the New Orleans oval. She earned $22,800 Saturday to boost her bankroll to $109,172.

Sent off at odds of 7-10 in the field of six, Princess Pelona paid $3.40, $2.80 and $2.40. Kentucky invader Mymich was second and returned $3.40 and $3. It was a length and a half back to third-place finisher Cheryl's Myth who paid $4.

(Chart, Equibase)