There was no stoppin’ her once the gates opened. Our speedy red mare Quality Lass took them gate to wire in the $200,000 Turf Amazon Handicap at Parx under jockey John Bisono.

Partners on hand weren’t without some additional nerves before the race as Quality Lass was very reluctant to go onto the turf course from the main track and then hesitant during the loading process. She’s always been quirky, but this was out of character.

There was no stoppin’ her once the gates opened. Our speedy red mare Quality Lass took them gate to wire in the $200,000 Turf Amazon Handicap at Parx under jockey John Bisono.

Partners on hand weren’t without some additional nerves before the race as Quality Lass was very reluctant to go onto the turf course from the main track and then hesitant during the loading process. She’s always been quirky, but this was out of character.

Within 57.71 seconds, all pre-race jitters were put to bed as she dug in gamely down the lane and earned the second stakes victory of her career while bringing her career earnings to $415,265. Earlier this summer the 5-year-old daugher of Exclusive Quality captured the Satin and Lace Stakes at Presque Isle Downs.

“I was a little nervous when she didn’t want to go in the gate,” said trainer Lupe Preciado. “She always gets a little worked up before her races. There was a lot of speed on paper, but she outsprinted them all. John (Bisono) rides her perfectly, he just lets her fly.”

Kate DeMasi, trainer of fast-closing runner-up Joha Real, gave Preciado a congratulatory handshake following the race, and said she was looking forward to a rematch between the two mares.

We’re not exactly sure where Quality Lass will go next, and for now we’re soaking up the excitement of rounding out the holiday weekend in style.

“We knew she’d be tough over her home course especially after a sharp win at Delaware last month,” said Terry Finley. “Lupe’s done a masterful job with this mare. In early 2013, she was an average $25,000 claimer. We figured out she’s most effective between five and five and a half furlongs, and she’s just continued getting better and better.”