Palanka City cruises in Miss Preakness

Palanka City lived up to her 1-2 billing as she rolled past pace-setting Casanova Killer outside the sixteenth pole and cruised to a 5 1/2-length victory in the Grade 3, $100,000 Miss Preakness Stakes for 3-year-old fillies.

Casanova Killer held second by 4 3/4 lengths over Beau's Valentine. Story of a Lion and Kosmo's Buddy completed the order of finish. Passion and Hadavision were scratched.

The victory was the fifth from 10 career starts for Palanka City, a daughter of Carson City owned by William Stiritz and trained by Terry Gestes.

Under Christopher Emigh, Palanka City stalked Casanova Killer through fractions of 22.93 seconds and 46.16. Though Casanova Killer appeared to open up during for home under Jeremy Rose, Palanka City reined her in. She covered the six furlongs over a muddy track in 1:10.90 and returned $3 to win.

"Our horse broke great and was very relaxed," said Emigh, who noted the filly had been a little nervous in the paddock. "I hit her once and she let loose another gear around the turn and finished up strong."

Gestes said Palanka City would likely be shipped back to Prairie Meadows. He said Palanka City will be pointed to the Grade 1 Prioress at Belmont on July 5.