BALTIMORE, 05-20-11 – Sandy Valley Farms’ Suzzona won her third of four starts on the Pimlico turf course Friday afternoon while prevailing over a field of fillies and mares in the $75,000 The Very One Stakes.

Julian Pimentel was aboard the 7-year-old chestnut mare who is trained by Benny Feliciano.

Suzzona broke with the pack and tracked the leaders to mid-stretch before charging to the lead and holding off the determined late rush by Supreme and jockey Luis Garcia. The Kentucky-bred daughter of The Name’s Jimmy won by neck over Supreme, while Rose Catherine, the 4-5 favorite, finished another 4 ½ lengths back in third.

The winner completed the five-furlong distance in 1:00.41 and paid $9.80.


The Very One Stakes Quotes

Benny Feliciano (winning trainer, Suzzona) – “We took her to Atlantic City to prep her for this race. She always runs good for us. She almost won this race last year. She gives her all in every race she runs.”

Julian Pimentel (winning jockey, Suzzona) – “She loves this distance on the turf. What a nice horse. She’s honest, tries hard every time out. She was in a really good spot throughout and finished up great.”