After a second place finish last year in this race, Expect Royalty redeemed herself this time around winning the fourth running of the $50,000 Lane’s End Stallion Scholarship Stakes for Texas-bred fillies and mares Saturday night at Lone Star Park.
Owned, bred, and trained by Leroy J. Pollok of Saint Hedwig, Texas, the 5-year-old Valid Expectations mare completed the 7 ½-furlong turf route in 1:29.24.
“I’m really proud of her,” said Pollok. “She’s done everything right, and it makes me look real good.”
Fractions were :23.67, :48.05 and 1:11.60. Expect Royalty crossed the wire 3 ¾ lengths ahead of the rest.
For jockey Iram Vargas Diego, this was his third win on the card tonight.
“She’s the best. I’m going to have to say she’s the best I’ve ever ridden,” said Diego. “I’ve just been blessed.”
The betting favorite tonight at 1-2, Expect Royalty returned $3.00, $2.40 and $2.20. My Silver Lullaby was up for place and returned $9.60 and $5.00. I Am Jane Dough returned $4.40 on show wagers. Infectious, Platinum Song, Sheridan’s Bling, Lasting Bubbles, Whiskey Eyes, Best Bling, Special Rockstar and Silver Akantha complete the order of finish.
For the win, Expect Royalty upped her career earnings to $173,010. This was her eighth win from 15 career starts and third win from five starts this year.