Evita Argentina became the first filly in 62 years to win the $150,000 San Vicente Stakes, beating the boys by one length Monday at Santa Anita.
Sent off as the 2-1 wagering favorite in the field of 10, Evita Argentina and jockey Garrett Gomez came flying down the middle of the track to hold off Leedstheway.
Evita Argentina ran 7 furlongs in 1:24.30, becoming just the third filly in the race’s 68-year history to win the Kentucky Derby prep for 3-year-olds.
With several speed horses in the field, the Kentucky-bred filly had ample pace to set up her usual come-from-behind move. Evita Argentina, who was last in the early going and then went four horses wide in the stretch, paid $6.60, $3.80 and $2.80. Gato Go Win was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third and returned $3.80. He and Leedstheway, who paid $6.40 and $5, are both trained by Jeff Mullins.
