Freehold, NJ (Sportsbooks) - Always A Virgin, driven by Brian Sears, easily defeated six rivals to win Monday's $297,500 Cane Pace at Freehold Raceway, the first leg of pacing's Triple Crown. The Triple Crown also includes the Little Brown Jug and Messenger Pace.
Working on a four race win streak, Always A Virgin was part of an entry with Fresh Deck, both trained by Joe Holloway. The entry was sent off as the 4-5 favorite in the seven horse field.
Taking the early lead in the one-mile pace was Yankee Skyscaper followed by Fresh deck, Tiber Hanover and Always A Virgin. Morning-line favorite Southwind Lynx got off a little slow, but settled into fifth around the first turn.
Fresh Deck, driven by George Brennan, took over the lead after the first quarter-mile with Yankee Skyscaper second and Always A Virgin in third place. Always A Virgin moved past his stablemate after the half-mile mark and went on to post a four length victory over Southwind Lynx. Fresh Deck was third and Tiber Hanover was fourth and Honky Tonk Hanover finished fifth.
The time for the 53rd Cane Pace was 1:51 1/5, equaling the track record for three-year-old colts.
Always A Virgin recorded his 11th career victory in 22 starts. The Cane win was worth $150,000 to bring the colt's bankroll to $580,000. This was the first Cane Pace victory for Sears and Holloway.
"He is such a dominant horse," Holloway said.
"I was close enough to the front early on to make a move and everything worked out," noted Sears.
Always A Virgin returned $3.60, $2.60 and $2.10. Southwind Lynx paid $3.00 and $2.40, and Fresh Deck paid $3.60, $2.60 and $2.10.
