ALLEN BLACK CAT LACOMBE MEMORIAL S., $75,000, Fair Grounds, 3-6, 3yo, f, 1mT, 1:38.94, fm.

New Boss took advantage of the extra yardage to win Saturday's Allen Black Cat LaCombe Memorial S. at Fair Grounds. New Boss assumed the early lead early, walking through early fractions of :25.36 and :50.64 while Spun d'Etat (Hard Spun) shadowed her a half-length behind and favored Saranya back in eighth.

Holding an uncontested lead turning for home, New Boss kicked, held a five-length lead midstretch and coasted home well ahead of Saranya, who ran well to salvage second, 1 3/4 lengths clear of Earth Strike in third.

New Boss was one for three on the dirt last summer through fall for trainer Bret Calhoun, but hit another level when turning to the turf. Second sprinting in an optional claimer in New Orleans Dec. 6, she returned to win by 4 1/2 lengths Dec. 28.

"Obviously, it was a big question [going the distance], a couple of months in between races and a speed filly stretching out," Calhoun said. "The thing I liked is when she won last time, she was under a little pressure and it didn't seem to bother her at all. She rated very kindly. Obviously, it's a lot of difference between 5 1/2 and a mile, but she gave us the indication she would settle. Obviously, with no pace in here today, we kind of had it our own way, and that was a big key. I think it opens up a lot of options for us."

Beschizza joined with New Boss in her turf debut and was back up for the win last time.

"She's a real versatile filly and even the thought of going from 5 1/2 [furlongs] to a mile was never an issue," Beschizza said. "She's so chilled out with her mind. [Stretching out from] 5 1/2 [furlongs], she had that good gate speed to secure a lead. With her good mind, she settled. She has a real explosive kick, which can get you out of trouble. I think this is a filly that can really move forward off of this."

Denali Dreamscape, the winner's dam, is also responsible for a juvenile colt by Not This Time and a yearling colt by Goldencents. She was bred back to Munnings.

New Boss was bred, raised, and sold by Hinkle Farms. She has a lifetime record of 6-3-2-0 with earnings of $110,587.