Always a Princess, a 2-year-old filly from the first crop of champion Leroidesanimaux (Brz), made a triumphant start to her racing career on Sept. 5th, impressively defeating a field of 10 fillies in a $51,000 maiden special weight heat at Del Mar.

Under Garrett Gomez, the chestnut filly showed good professionalism for a first-time starter, settling towards the back of the pack early in the 5 ½-furlong race before rallying stoutly in the stretch to pass seven fillies and prove best late. The final margin was three-parts of a length and the final time was 1:03.85 over the local Polytrack.

Trained by Bob Baffert, Always a Princess starts her career perfectly, earning $30,600 for owner and breeder Arnold Zetcher. The filly is out of the stakes-winning Ashkalani (Ire) mare Gabriellina Giof (GB) and is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Gabby’s Golden Gal.

Leroidesanimaux has also sired Group 3 performer and top European juvenile Marfach already from his debut crop.