NEW ORLEANS (Thursday, March 08, 2012) – Justice Family Racing’s French Breeze proved the third time’s the charm when she visited the winner’s circle for the first time in Thursday’s featured $46,000 grass dash for maiden sophomore members of the distaff set.

The daughter of good grass sire Elusive Quality trailed the field in the run down the backstretch in the sprint at about 5 1/2-furlongs over the Stall-Wilson turf course, commenced a rally entering the lane, took command in mid-stretch and drew clear the rest of the way for a length and a half tally.

Ridden by Robby Albarado and trained by Neil Howard, French Breeze returned mutuels of $12.20 and $5.40 and $3.80, accomplished the distance in 1:05.40 and increased her career earnings to $29,096 with her first win in three lifetime starts.

Becky Winemiller’s Wine Princess, also without speed, rallied late to gain the place, paying $4.80 and $3.80 while no threat to the winner.

Stoneway Farm’s Play Soleil pressed or made the pace, recorded in splits of 22.70 and 46.92 before weakening to third behind the top two to return $3.60 to show.

Racing resumes Friday at Fair Grounds with a 10-race program beginning at 12:40 p.m.