The Todd Pletcher trained Curalina reaffirmed her place as one of the best mares in training when she added a third G1 win to her record in the La Troienne Stakes at Churchill Downs on Friday.

The winner of last year’s G1 Acorn Stakes produced a dominant performance to start the Kentucky Derby weekend on a high for the Pletcher stable.

Curalina was also promoted to first in the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks last season and was third in the G1 Alabama Stakes and second in the G1 Beldame Invitational.

The La Troienne was Curalina’s first start since she finished third behind Stopchargingmaria and Stellar Wind in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff last October.

Curalina pressed the pace under John Velazquez before she bounded to the lead to record an easy win.

“Once I got my position, I made sure to stay there,” Velazquez said.

“When we came into the lane, my horse just took off. There was no competition coming after her. She won easy.”

Favourite Sheer Drama chased the pacesetters and angled out three wide for running room at the top of the stretch.

She had her chance and was nipped by Engaginglee for second.

“It was a little too wet for her,” trainer David Fawkes said of the beaten favourite.

“I don’t think she likes the track. She never got a real, good solid footing.”