An Empress Wins Hollypark Feature

Favored An Empress, daughter of 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed, posted a two-length victory over Miss Alto in Tuesday’s $40,000 feature race at Hollywood Park.

The chestnut-coated An Empress, ridden by Laffit Pincay Jr. and carrying high-weight of 120 pounds, defeated nines rivals to win the mile grass contest in 1:35 1/5.

Miss Alto, ridden by Gary Stevens, edged longshot Special Victory by a head for the place in the race for fillies 3-years-old and up.

An Empress paid $4,60, $3 and $2.40, while Miss Alto returned $4.40 and $3.20. Special Victory paid $8.80 to show.

The winner lagged in the early going, dueling with Miss Alto before moving to the lead in the run for home.

The victory added $22,000 to An Empress’ career earnings of more than $330,000 for Harbor View Farms.