Maracuja wins return nicely; Atras will consider Apple Blossom

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Maracuja, last year's Coaching Club American Oaks winner, made a successful return to the races on Friday at Oaklawn Park, capturing a hybrid allowance/optional claimer with a last to first rush that should set her up for a strong 4-year-old campaign.

Maracuja stormed past her five rivals during the final three furlongs of the 1 1/16-mile, $108,000 race to beat pacesetter Lil Kings Princess by two lengths. She was timed in 1:44.51 on the fast track.

"I'm very relieved," said her trainer, Rob Atras. "She probably needed the race."

Maracuja had not raced in more than six months, since finishing fourth in the Cotillion at Parx. She had wintered at Oaklawn, and her return was delayed owing to having to work around foul weather earlier this season, Atras said.

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Maracuja was patiently ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr. owing to the sharp pace of 46.94 seconds for the opening half set by Lil Kings Princess, but she began to pick off her rivals on the far turn and continued her relentless run through the lane.

Atras said the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap here would be considered for her next start, but said the quick return in 22 days gave him pause.

"We're not going to push her. It's early in the year," he said. "We want to have a good summer with her."

Maracuja, a gray daughter of Honor Code out of the Unbridled's Song mare Patti's Regal Song, has now won three times in nine starts. She was second last year in the Grade 3 Gazelle, and seventh in the Kentucky Oaks and Alabama, in her other stakes attempts.

Santana was slightly gimpy on his left foot following the race. He said Maracuja had banged into the side of the gate before the start, and joked he would take off his final ride on Friday. He did not have any more rides on Friday. Maracuja was his last, and his best.