Via Villagio downs favorite, wins Hollywood stakes
May 19, 2012INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) - Via Villaggio rallied in the stretch to catch huge favorite Sister Moon and win the $100,000 Railbird Stakes for 3-year-old fillies Saturday at Betfair Hollywood Park.
A 1-20 favorite whose three opponents were all 10-1 or higher, Sister Moon took the lead from the gate as expected in the seven-furlong sprint, but led by only a head coming out of the turn. Via Villagio and jockey Martin Pedroza fought their way in front of the favorite and won by a half-length in 1:23.03.
Via Villaggio paid $23 and $3. Sister Moon paid $2.10. Djarvo was third and Lady Fairbanks was eased for fourth. There was no show wagering because of the small field.
The winner is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer for owner Steve Beneto. She earned $60,000 for the victory.