Fran’s Valentine Wins After Stretch Battle

Fran’s Valentine, ridden by Bill Shoemaker, outlasted Magnificent Lady in a hard stretch battle to win the $47,600 Dulcia Stakes by a half-length Thursday at Santa Anita.

Magnificent Lindy, the odds-on favorite ridden by Chris McCarron, finished four lengths in front of Infinidad, ridden by Corey Black.

Fran’s Valentine was timed in 1:49 1/5 for 1 1/8 miles and paid $4.40 and $2.20. Magnificent Lindy returned $2.20 to place. With a field of four horses, there was no show betting.

Fran’s Valentine led most of the way. Magnificent Lindy tried to close the gap through the stretch and moved within a head of the leader but couldn’t catch her.