Luscious Lonna scores in Miss America Stakes

Luscious Lonna scored her third turf stakes victory at Golden Gate Fields, racing to the lead early and then hanging on gamely late to capture the $65,480 Miss America Stakes on Saturday.

Jockey Pedro Terrero asked Luscious Lonna ($21.80) for early speed, but she relaxed nicely when she grabbed the lead and moved in toward the rail. Luscious Lonna maintained a length advantage over Central Heat before opening up by three lengths in the lane.

Central Heat finished well, but Luscious Lonna, who captured the past two spring runnings of the Golden Poppy, had enough left to hold off her rival by three-quarters of a length, winning the 1 1/16-mile turf stakes in 1:43.93. Loveintheshadows held off Need You Now by a head while finishing 4 1/2 lengths behind Central Heat.

“When she got in front by herself, I took a little hold, and she relaxed,” said Terrero. “At the quarter pole, it was time to go, and I asked her. She really responded and finished strong.”

Jockey Kyle Frey said Central Heat gave him a “huge run” and he thought he could win. “But she just kept going,” he said of the winner.

Trainer Nicholas Sloan, who owns the 6-year-old Luscious Lonna with Jon Harris and Bonnie Marshall, said, “She got a softer trip than it looked like she was going to get. She gets pretty game like that.”

Luscious Lonna earned $39,750 for her ninth win in 21 starts. She has now earned $271,515.