Thirteen is lucky for Indy Princess Koko

Anybody compiling a list – world-wide – of those who believe the number 13 carries with it an unlucky stigma, can’t include the backers of Indy Princess Koko.

The daughter of Amira’s Prince scored her third victory in 16 starts yesterday – December 13 – at Mahoning Valley. Her maiden-breaker had come at Belterra Park on May 13, and her second victory was posted at Thistledown – on October 13. There was also a third added at Thistledown on July 13.

Erik Barbaran was aboard Indy Princess Koko yesterday, and he brought the 4-year-old filly from last place in the six-horse field to a flying finish in the race at six furlongs. The Equibase chart has Indy Princess Koko 5 3/4 lengths behind as the field passed the first quarter in :23.32 seconds. But a closer look at the video shows the margin was at least 9 or 10 lengths. From there, the filly bred by Jeannine S. McGinn looked like Arazi winning the 1991 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, literally inhaling the field with a monster move turning for home, then cruising to a 7 1/4–length victory. She had won her other two by seven and 3 1/2, a combined total for the three of nearly 18 lengths.

Indy Princess Koko was clocked in 1:11.35, paid $11.20 and earned a check for $6,660.