Daytona leaves little doubt in Oak Tree Derby

Davenport, Lenner, Ravich and Murray's DAYTONA (Ire) (Indian Ridge) left

early leader Asperity (War Chant) in his wake entering the final turn and drew

off to an impressive 4 1/4-length romp in the $150,000

Oak Tree Derby (G2) over

the firm Santa Anita turf course on Saturday. Breaking sharply under Mike Smith

to lead after the opening quarter-mile, the gelded sophomore was then content to

track through

fractions of :46 1/5 and 1:10 1/5 for six panels before asserting himself, and

it was over in a hurry. The three-year-old reached the mile in 1:34 prior to

finishing off 1 1/8 miles in 1:46 2/5 under moderate handling. The 10-1 seventh

choice gave back $22.60, $11.40 and $6.80, while keying the $1 gimmicks: $99.60

exacta, $536.20 trifecta and $3,546.40 superfecta (5-8-7-4) for conditioner Dan

Hendricks.

Ten a Penny (Gulch) was last after three-quarters but closed well between

horses in the stretch to earn the place spot, 1 3/4 lengths clear of his closest

foe. The runner-up paid $8.60 and $5.60 at nearly 9-1. Stoneside (Ire) (Marchand

de Sable), the 5-2 favorite, was well positioned throughout but never threatened

in an even finish. Show paid $3. Unusual Suspect (Unusual Heat) was in the hunt

along the inside early but never quickened with the top trio, capping the super

at 12-1. Next was Karazi (Swi) (Arazi), followed by Mostacolli Mort (Hold For

Gold), Angelonmyshoulder (GB) (King's Best), Senior (Arch), Augment (Aptitude)

and Asperity. Star Inside (Ire) (Key of Luck) scratched at the gate.

Daytona was last seen finishing third in the El Cajon S. and gained his first stakes

win while improving his line to 9-3-2-2, $163,862. The chestnut was bred in

Ireland by the Irish National Stud and commanded a bid of $432,360 at the 2005 Goffs

Orby sale as a yearling, and was most recently purchased for $115,200 earlier

this year at Doncaster. Produced from Kyka (Blushing John), the

winner has an unraced juvenile half-brother named Kyka Magic (Touch of the

Blues [Fr]).