AFTER her debut performance, three-year-old chestnut filly Princess Lauren has done more than enough to suggest that she is one to look out for in the upcoming Classic races, especially those races confined to the fillies.

In a gritty performance, Princess Lauren who was slowly into stride, then produced a quick turn of foot to beat rivals in section one of the John Clifton Wright Memorial Cup feature at Caymanas Park on Saturday, February 9, 2019.

It was Princess Lauren’s first run and greenest would come into play but this filly by Soul Warrior – Lipstick Lily was all heart as she rallied from her slow exit from her starting stall to secure victory in a compelling manner.

With Dane Dawkins in the saddle for trainer Gary Subratie, Princess Lauren along with favourite Splendid Vision (Robert Halledeen) missed the break at the start of the maiden special weight event but Princess Lauren, unlike Splendid Vision, recovered to go down into a striking position in fourth place at the half-mile.

Princess Lauren then motored into second place approaching the final bend and eventually caught up with leader Mystic Mama (Devon A Thomas) in deep stretch. After a brief battle, Princess Lauren went on to score by 3 ¼ lengths.

Another first-timer runner Black River (Simon Husbands) came from behind to get second place with Mystic Mama holding for the third spot.

Princess Lauren, owned by Houston Stables, ran six furlongs (1,200m) in a time of 1:14.1 with the manner of victory giving a clear demonstration that she has more to offer.

“Most definitely, she has the pedigree to go long. Princess Lauren has been training very good and doing everything we have asked of her.

“We had an issue with her at the starting gates, breaking a little slow and she still broke a little slow today (Saturday) but the win showed she is a really classy horse. She broke, got into the race and won by a nice little margin and so I am pleased with the run,” Subratie said.

When asked about the Classic races, Subratie said: “I don’t know yet, early days yet. We will take it one step at a time,” stated Subratie.