Royal Prince and Fernando De La Cruz (photo) pulled in a win Wednesday in the $150,000 Caesars Stakes at Indiana Grand. The race was the highlight of the 11-race card that included four stakes races and marked the richest day of turf racing in the state of Indiana.
Starting from post four in the reduced field of five, Royal Prince got away second behind Dyn O Mite and Jose Riquelme, following along in a stalking position throughout the one-mile turf event. At the head of the stretch, Royal Prince made his move and, at first, looked like he would go right on by as the selected favorite of the field. However, Dyn O Mite came back to challenge.
The duo battled the entire length of the stretch in close quarters with Dyn O Mite getting the last call by a half length. However, contact between the two switched the order after a disqualification and moved Royal Prince up for the win.
Perfect Silent Cat and Luca Panici, making his first start at Indiana Grand, finished third. The time of the race was 1:35.26.
Royal Prince is now three for eight in 2021 and four for 11 lifetime. He is owned by Steve Landers Racing LLC and trained by Brad Cox. He moved his career earnings over the $300,000 mark with the win. The grey son of Cairo Prince, a $70,000 yearling purchase is now a two-time stakes winner.
“This horse is always solid and showed today that he is that caliber of horse,” said Ricky Giannini, assistant trainer for Brad Cox who oversees the string at Indiana Grand. “He is stationed at Keeneland so he may go there for his next start.”
The Caesars Stakes was complemented by Empire of Hope, a Caesars Entertainment Racing initiative to bring funding and awareness to racehorse aftercare programs. Nearly $14,000 was raised through several promotions and donations geared toward the cause. A special presentation showing the support was held in the winner’s circle with Randy Klopp, Indiana HBPA member and past president, Rachel McLaughlin, On-Air racing analyst, and Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager of racing at Indiana Grand.
