Jump to User Comments Jump to Race Entries/Results Zabeel Racing International’s Game Face finally broke through in a Grade 1 race as she drew off to a commanding 6 ¾-length victory in the $350,000 Princess Rooney Handicap (G1) on Saturday at Calder Race Course.

The win also gave the 4-year-old Menifee filly a starting spot in the Sentient Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint on November 6 during the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park as part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” series.

Jockey Edgar Prado and Game Face, the 9-5 favorite after early scratches by Indian Blessing and Marina Ballerina, advanced four wide on the turn and pulled away easily in the stretch to win the six-furlong race in 1:10.74 on a track rated as fast as the 9-5 favorite.

Entering off a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Vagrancy Handicap (G2) on May 24 off a 22-day layoff, Saturday’s performance proved that her Vagrancy form probably was just an apparition.

“She trained great since [the Vagrancy] and the seven weeks between then and this race I think made a big difference,” said Omar Trevino, racing manager for Zabeel Racing International.

Game Face chased pacesetter Keep the Peace in fourth, then second, through a half-mile in :45.65. Once Prado pointed his filly toward the lead in early stretch, the finish was never in doubt.

“The first thing that I noticed about her was that she wanted to run a bit too early,” Prado said, “but she rated for me and it was all about finishing strong from there.”

Keep the Pace held on for second, 1 ¼ lengths in front of third-place finisher Orinoquia.

Bred in Kentucky, Game Face improved to seven wins from 14 career starts with $689,349 in earnings. She is out of the unraced Gone West mare Galleon of Gold.