Palanka City much the best in Miss Preakness

Palanka City spurted clear to rack up her third straight victory (Maryland Jockey Club Photo)

William Stiritz's PALANKA CITY (Carson City) rated in second behind the

pacesetting Casanova Killer (Storm Boot), engaged that rival inside the furlong

pole, and drew off to a convincing 5 1/2-length score in the $100,000

Miss Preakness S. (G3), the first of three graded stakes on Pimlico's Friday

program. Under Chris Emigh, Palanka City covered six furlongs over a muddy,

sealed track

in 1:10 4/5. The heavy 1-2 favorite in a field of five, Palanka City returned

$3, $2.20 and $2.10 while keying the $6.20 exacta, $14.20 trifecta and $36

superfecta (3-1-5-7).

Casanova Killer, the 3-1 second choice who set fractions of :22 4/5 and :46,

held second by 4 3/4 lengths and paid $3.20 and $2.40. Beau's Valentine

(Alphabet Soup), who trailed early after being steadied in the run down the

backside, rallied to be third and returned $2.20. Story of a Lion (Lion Hearted)

finished 1 1/4 lengths back in fourth and was followed by Kosmos's Buddy (Outflanker).

Hadavision (Vision and Verse) and Passion (Came Home) were scratched on Friday,

while Peisinoe (Yes It's True) was withdrawn earlier in the week.