In an electrifying display of speed and dominance, La Cara, the three-year-old filly trained by Mark Casse, set a new stakes record at Tampa Bay Downs. The race, which covered a mile and 40 yards, saw La Cara finish in an impressive 1:38.51, leaving her competitors far behind. Under jockey Dylan Davis, La Cara surged ahead to win by a commanding 6¼ lengths, showcasing her exceptional talent. Her Laugh secured second place after overcoming a challenging start, while Deloraine, Italian Soiree, and Dancing Magic rounded out the top five. This victory not only earned La Cara 20 crucial points toward qualifying for the prestigious Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks but also highlighted her potential as a formidable contender.

The triumph was particularly sweet for trainer Mark Casse, who had been disappointed with La Cara's fifth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies last November. Casse praised the efforts of his team at Palm Meadows, noting that La Cara's recent workouts had shown significant promise. "She came back training exceptionally well," Casse remarked. "Her pedigree is outstanding, and it seems the racing gene has skipped a generation." For owner Tracy Farmer, this win was a testament to the quality of their breeding program. La Cara, the first foal of her mother Cara Caterina, proved that she could carry on the legacy with grace and power.

Dylan Davis, riding La Cara for the first time, described the experience as exhilarating. "She’s an incredibly classy filly," he said. "I let her dictate the pace, and she showed her dominance from the start. Around the final turn, I knew she had more left in the tank, but there was no need to push her further. She’s capable of anything." With this victory, La Cara has solidified her position as a rising star in the world of horse racing. Her performance at Tampa Bay Downs is a clear indication that she has the potential to make waves in future competitions, including the Kentucky Oaks. The excitement generated by La Cara’s performance underscores the thrilling unpredictability and competitive spirit of the sport.