Three Ring: Sentimental win for Plesa

Trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. has won more than his share of stakes during his career. But few, if any, have meant more than Stolen Prayer's one-length victory over the 8-5 favorite Capozzene in the $100,000 Three Ring Stakes.

Plesa trained the ill-fated Three Ring during her short but extremely successful career that ended tragically following a paddock mishap in New York.

"Of all the named races they have here I was just really glad to be able to win this race," said Plesa.

Stolen Prayer benefited from a perfectly judged ride by Eddie Castro, who rated her off the pace of California invader Golden Silk for the first five furlongs of the 1 1/16-mile Three Ring. Stolen Prayer moved readily to command when asked on the far turn, opened a three- length lead in early stretch then held safe Capozzene despite weakening a bit at the end.

Capozzene raced well-positioned along the rail, eased out into the stretch, then raced a bit erratically while gaining gradually on the winner through the late stages. El Bank Robber rallied belatedly to be third.

Stolen Prayer, a daughter of Songand-aprayer, covered the distance in 1:50.01 and paid $7.40.

"I thought Eddie did a great job getting her to settle and then did the right thing letting her go at the three-eighths pole rather than fight her any longer," said Plesa.