Yonkers, NY (Best E Casino) - Odds-on favorite Always A Virgin had no problem defeating seven rivals Saturday night as the three-year-old ran away with the 52nd edition of the Messenger Stakes at Yonkers Raceway.

Always A Virgin, driven by Brian Sears, left from the inside post and quickly took the lead entering the first turn. He was followed by Kenneth J, Watta Hotshot and Hot Rod Mindale.

Going up the backstretch the second time, Hot Rod Mindale moved into second, but was unable to pressure the leader. Always A Virgin drew away from the field and hit the wire five lengths in front of Kenneth J.

Finishing third was Watta Hotshot and Meadowlands Pace winner Southwind Lynx was fourth.

The time for the one-mile was 1:52 flat.

The Messenger, the third jewel in pacing's Triple Crown, had a purse of $725,480. Last Saturday night there were two $40,000 elimination races with Always A Virgin and Hot Rod Mindale each taking a race.

Always A Virgin is trained by Joe Holloway for Bluewood Stable, Roll the Dice Stable and Val d'Or Farms. The pacer has won 12 of 18 starts this year for more than $900,000.

The colt captured the first race of the Triple Crown, the Cane Pace, and was third to Tell All in the second jewel, the Little Brown Jug.

Always A Virgin returned $3.10, $2.60 and $2.10. Kenneth J paid $8.40 and $8.50, and Watta Hotshot paid $6.50 to show.