Prized Amberpro almost unbeatable against La.-breds
Prized Amberpro, who has not lost in Louisiana-bred company since she was second in an allowance race last April, is the one to beat Saturday night when she moves back into the statebred ranks for the $100,000 Marshland Handicap at Delta Downs in Vinton, La.
The seven-furlong race will be run around two turns and has drawn a field of seven Louisiana-bred fillies and mares. The group includes Wild Squaw and Light Fling, who finished second and third to Prized Amberpro in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies at Fair Grounds, and Fuse It, winner of the $75,000 Pan Zareta Handicap at Fair Grounds in her last start.
Prized Amberpro was named Louisiana's 2002 champion older mare last month for good reason. She won four consecutive statebred stakes by a combined 13 lengths from October to January. Her streak started at Louisiana Downs, when she won the $40,000 Victoria at six furlongs on Oct. 20.
Prized Amberpro then won the $75,000 Louisiana Distaff Handicap at a mile at Delta Downs on Nov. 16; the Ladies at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 14; and the $75,000 Camelia at 6 1/2 furlongs at Delta on Jan. 25.
But her success has not been limited to restricted stakes. She also won the $100,000 Valid Expectations against open company last year at Lone Star Park, as well as the $30,000 Matron Handicap at Evangeline Downs in August. Overall, she has won 16 races and $423,967.
Last out, Prized Amberpro finished second at 3-5 in the $50,000 Sweetheart Stakes for open company at Delta on Feb. 15. In that race, she hard a hard time getting her footing on the final turn, struggling with the wet-fast track, said her trainer, John Gelner.
"Once she got straightened up for home, she got going better, and closed hard," said Gelner. "I feel real strong about the [Marshland]."
Gelner, who has given the mount to Carl Woodley, said following this race he will give Prized Amberpro some time off. Gelner's goal for the 6-year-old mare is the $200,000 Humana Distaff at Churchill Downs on May 3.