Arcadia, CA
Turf specialist jockey Brice Blanc found the winner's circle again in the turf marathon Astra Stakes Sunday afternoon.
Blanc guided 10-1 longshot Havanna Belle to a powerful 2 1/4 length victory in the $75K Astra.
Havanna Belle was forwardly placed throughout the marathon 1 1/2 mile turf race. Sitting in third, behind a quick opening fraction of :23 for the distance, and took control down the stretch to kick clear to an easy victory at the end.
The 4-year-old filly, trained by Phil D'Amato, returned $22.20 for the win and finished the race in a final time of 2:27.
Longshots Energia Fribby and Sweet as a Rose completed the trifecta. Both finished with a lot of run, but the winner got first run on the rest of the field.
Favorite Gaga A had the lead in this race, but could not keep pace and tired to a fifth place finish.
Havanna Belle voctory moved her win total to three in 14 starts with total earnings over $111K.