Prancing Warrior takes advantage in Spruce Fir win

Prancing Warrior got the jump on favored Liz’s Cable Girl and scored a front-running victory in the $75,000 Spruce Fir Handicap for New Jersey-bred fillies and mares Saturday at Monmouth Park.

Prancing Warrior ($31) and jockey Jose Ferrer were away in good order and led Liz’s Cable Girl, the defending winner of the Spruce Fir, by two lengths through an opening quarter of 22.19 seconds. She extended her advantage to three lengths turning for home through a half in 45.32. Although Liz’s Cable Girl continued on gamely through the lane to cut into the winner’s margin, Prancing Warrior refused to yield, hitting the line a length in front. The final time for the six furlongs was 1:11.70.

This was the first career stakes victory for Prancing Warrior, who was also making her first start of 2020.

“She runs great fresh,” said trainer Chuck Spina, who co-owns the 5-year-old mare with Joseph and Gayle Ioia. “Last year she won by a pole off the layoff in her first start of the year. She just runs great fresh. She fit here. The only one everyone had to really worry about was Liz’s Cable Girl. So we had to try this.”