Madame Pietra Paces Herself

Showing once again she’s more comfortable coming from off the pace, Madame Pietra was a dominant winner in the $73,210 Corona Handicap on Sunday at Hollywood Park.

Owned by Carl Grether and trained by Howard Zucker, the 5-year-old Roy mare and 7-5 favorite toyed with her five rivals for her second victory in a row. Ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, Madame Pietra completed the six furlongs in 1:09.

Outrun early when Wild Tickle set the pace while engaged from the outside by Channing Way, Madame Pietra made a big move around the turn while wide to take the lead, and from there it was just a matter of how big her winning margin would be. At the finish, she had 2 1/2 lengths on 5-2 second choice Habibti, who has lost seven in a row since winning the Hollywood Starlet on Dec. 16.

“Howie’s done a heck of a job with her,” Valenzuela said. “He’s taught her how to relax the first part of the race. She relaxed behind the leaders today and when I asked her around the turn, she really smoked.”

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After a lengthy struggle, trainers based in California finally have an agreement for a cheaper workers’ compensation insurance package.

Supported financially with cash and letters of credit by tracks throughout the state, trainers have a new deal with American International Group.

“It’s very gratifying that every segment of the industry got behind this,” Ed Halpern, executive director of the California Thoroughbred Trainers, said in a prepared statement. “It was a concerted effort. That’s what got it done and represents a positive step that should help to keep horsemen in California.”

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Composure, second to the unbeaten Storm Flag Flying in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Oct. 26 at Arlington Park, will be heavily favored against a small field in the $200,000 Hollywood Starlet on Saturday at Hollywood Park.

Rmisvesta, Summer Wind Dancer, Watching You and Tizalovelylady are the only others considered probable for the 1 1/16-mile race.