Star Billing wins G1 Matriarch at Hollywood Park
November 25, 2011INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) - Trainer John Shirreffs's filly Star Billing won the $250,000 Matriarch Stakes at Hollywood Park on Friday, beating Summer Soiree by a half-length while heavy favorite Never Retreat had to rally to finish a distant third.
Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Star Billing came out of the gate last in the field of eight in the Grade 1 Matriarch, a turf mile for fillies and mares, but moved up to fourth at the halfway point and second on the final turn, squeezing through along the rail to catch Summer Soiree in the stretch and win in 1:35.45.
Star Billing paid $23.40, $9 and $3.80. Summer Soiree paid $7 and $4. Never Retreat, favored at 4-5, was nearly three lengths back in third and returned $2.40 to show.