Star Parade rebounds in Milady Handicap

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Rebounding from three consecutive losses in major stakes, Star Parade scored her third major stakes win in Sunday's $228,450 at Hollywood Park.

The victory moved her closer to a possible start in the Breeders' Cup Distaff at Lone Star Park on Oct. 30, although owner Gary Tanaka must pay a six-figure supplement to make her eligible.

None of that was a concern during the Grade 1 Milady when Star Parade ($5.80) shook off challenges from Pesci and Quero Quero to win for the first time since the Grade 1 Santa Maria Handicap at Santa Anita in February. Sent off as the favorite, Star Parade finished 1 1-16 miles in 1:41.83, winning by 3 1-2 lengths over Quero Quero.

Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Star Parade was always near the front. She led by a length over Pesci through early fractions of 23.77 and 46.29 seconds.

On the final turn, Pesci, on the outside, and Quero Quero, on the rail, challenged Star Parade. Quero Quero led briefly, a move that did not concern Espinoza.

"I saw the other horse but I wasn't worked about that one," he said. "I had a lot of horse."

Star Parade, who carried 116 pounds, stayed within a head of Quero Quero and retook the lead before the eighth pole. She pulled away in the final furlong to win the sixth race of her 17-race career.

Quero Quero held second, a head in front of Pesci, who was followed by Victory Encounter and Tangle. Lady Thatcher and Summer Wind Dancer were scratched Sunday morning.

Victory Encounter, the 119-pound starting highweight, trailed by 10 lengths on the backstretch and never reached contention.

Star Parade had finished third behind Victory Encounter in the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap here on May 9, but trainer Darrell Vienna said she had an excuse.

"She tied up for a day or two and we discussed not running," he said. "The blood test indicated there were some changes in the blood chemistry. That was a subpar effort. In this race we had no excuses."