Turf Paradise: Shakenwithanolive takes Princess of Palms easily

Shakenwithanolive had an easy time of it in Saturday's $25,000 Princess of Palms Handicap at Turf Paradise, scoring a facile 7 1/2-length victory.

Owned by Rick Wiest and trained by Robertino Diodoro, the 5-year-old mare was third in this race last year and was making her first start since running sixth in a stakes at Northlands Park last Oct. 9. She had, however, worked strongly to indicate she was ready off the layoff. And ready she was.

Under Jorge Carreno, her speed had her dogging early pacesetter Chukchi Sunrise from the start of the 6-furlong event for fillies and mares. She quickly assumed command and opened up going to the far turn, extended her lead, and won well in hand. Coalbanks Landing chased her from the start and was a clear second. Table Mesa, the 1.10-1 favorite, broke slowly, and while she made a bit of a wide rally was never a factor, finishing third in the field of six.

Shakenwithanolive ran the distance in 1:09.34 on a track raced list listed "good (sealed)" after overnight rain. She paid $4.80 as the second choice, and the winner's share of $15,000 pushes her career bankroll to $185,330 from seven wins in 19 starts.