After being narrowly beaten in three straight stakes races to start the year, it was finally Cambodia’s turn in the G3 Gallorette Handicap at Pimlico on Preakness Stakes Day. Her victory over On Leave, who was two lengths behind in second, made it a War Front filly exacta at the wire.
Jockey Florent Geroux and Cambodia stalked the pace before assuming the lead after straightening home. They completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.35, while On Leave, a graded stakes winner in her own right, finished half a length in front of race favorite Elysea’s World.
“Cambodia was very sharp from the gate,” said Geroux. “We were in a great spot just off the horse on the lead. I kept her relaxed and turning for home she responded very well.”
Cambodia is trained by Tom Proctor and races as a homebred for Don Robinson’s Winter Quarter Farm. On Leave, who was piloted by Jose Ortiz, races as a homebred for Stuart S. Janney III and is trained by Shug McGaughey.
War Front has 13 stakes horses to his credit this year, including G1 winner American Patriot. North America’s #1 sire of stakes winners in 2016, War Front stands for $250,000 at Claiborne.