Janeian just misses course record

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Janeian, who set a course record last year in a stakes at Hawthorne, almost set another one Saturday at Lone Star Park when, in her first start since November, she pulled away to a four-length win in the $75,000 Irving Distaff. Cat's Cat finished second, a half-length in front of 2-5 favorite Bedanken.

Janeian ($8.40) settled a few lengths behind pacesetters Southern Surprise and Cat's Cat, who traveled together through an opening quarter in 23.54 seconds and a half-mile in 46.53 seconds. Janeian inched closer to those two past the half-mile pole, then drew away in the stretch, covering the 7 1/2 furlongs on firm turf in 1:28.24. The course record at Lone Star is 1:28.20.

Last year at Hawthorne, Janeian set a course record for a mile and a sixteenth, when she won the $150,000 Indian Maid Breeders' Cup Handicap in 1:39.80.

Eddie Martin Jr., who has won all five turf races run at the young Lone Star meet, rode Janeian in the Indian Maid, as well as in the Irving Distaff.

"This is a really, really nice filly," said Bret Calhoun, who trains Janeian. "We've been targeting this race for a long time."

Janeian earned $45,000 for the win, which was her eighth in 30 starts. She has now earned $235,294. Janeian was bred in New Zealand and races for Greg England. She is now being pointed for the Grade 3, $200,000 WinStar Distaff at Lone Star on May 31.