9 Feb. USA. Las Virgenes S. G1. Santa Anita Park. 8f. AW. 250.000 $
1.- GOLDEN DOC A (R.Bejarano)
2.- LOVELY ISLE (D.Flores)
3.- TASHA'S MIRACLE (M.Garcia)


Golden Doc A rallied in the stretch for a one-length victory in the $250,000 Las Virgenes Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita, reopened Saturday after weeklong renovations to its troubled synthetic surface.
The clear, sunny and unusual 80-degree day belied the dark cloud Santa Anita has operated under since opening Dec. 26. Rain, hail and severe drainage problems with its new $11 million Cushion Track have wreaked havoc and wiped out 11 racing days.

Santa Anita had been closed since last Saturday and began the renovation project a day later.

In the Grade 1 Las Virgenes, Golden Doc A under Rafael Bejarano ran one mile in 1:35.86. The filly paid $5.20, $2.80 and $2.40 as the 8-5 wagering favorite in the field of six.

"I was confident the whole time," said trainer Barry Abrams, who earned his second career Grade 1 win. "When you have the best horse in the race, you don't worry. The track was my only concern."

Lovely Isle returned $4.80 and $3.40, while Tasha's Miracle was another 2 3/4 lengths back in third and paid $3 to show in her 3-year-old debut.

Golden Doc A's path to the winner's circle was made easier by the absence of Indian Blessing, who skipped the race to run in the $200,000 Silverbulletday Stakes at the Fair Grounds in Louisiana.