Game Face gets the breaks

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Game Face, the 9-5 favorite who was presented with a big opening on the rail into the stretch, outbattled an unlucky Keep the Peace to win Saturday's $150,000 La Troienne Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs.

Early pacesetter Secret Gypsy, in her first start since a big maiden win at Saratoga last summer, drifted wide while tiring entering the stretch, carrying Keep the Peace even farther out. Despite benefitting from this, Game Face was hard pressed to narrowly prevail over Keep the Peace. Tiz to Dream outgamed Alina for third money.

Game Face, ridden by John Velazquez for trainer Todd Pletcher, covered the 7 1/2 furlongs over a fast track in 1:28.44, and paid $5.60.