Prince Lucky prevails in Pennsylvania Nursery

Prince Lucky improved his career record to 3 for 4 on Saturday, when, after a wide trip, he was an easy winner of the $100,000 Pennsylvania Nursery at Parx. He was clear by 2 3/4 lengths at the wire, while Tudox Expectations finished second. It was another four lengths back to Jw’strickymischief in third.

The Nursery was a seven-furlong race for 2-year-olds bred in Pennsylvania. Past winners include Smarty Jones, who would go on to win the Kentucky Derby in 2004, and Hard Spun, the eventual runner-up in the 2007 Kentucky Derby.

Hard Spun’s trainer, Larry Jones, is the trainer of Prince Lucky. This year’s Nursery winner is a promising sort by Corinthian.

“We’re hoping he’s going to be able to go through the Fair Grounds series,” said Jones.

Prince Lucky ($3.60) settled in the second flight in the Nursery as Jw’strickymischief set pressured fractions of 22.50 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.11 for the half-mile. Prince Lucky advanced between rivals into the turn, traveled four wide around the bend, and came into the stretch five wide before going on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:27.62.

Ricardo Santana Jr. was aboard Prince Lucky for his breeder, Daniel McConnell.

Prince Lucky picked up $60,000 for the win to improve his career earnings to $132,690. He started his career with a win Aug. 28 at Delaware Park, accounting for a maiden special weight by 5 3/4 lengths. Prince Lucky then ran third in the $75,000 First State Dash at Delaware in September before getting back into the winner’s circle in a first-level allowance Oct. 30 at Laurel.

Jones said Prince Lucky showed an aversion to the whip in the First State Dash. Santana did not carry the equipment in the Nursery.

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