Antares World guts out California Oaks win

Antares World didn't yield an inch, dueling the length of the stretch with Fashion Trend and winning the by a head Friday at Golden Gate Fields.

Undefeated Seeking the Queen, the 7-5 favorite, took the lead in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-old fillies, but was rank in her first start around two turns.Antares World and jockey Frank Alvarado made a quick move to grab the lead into the second turn, with Fashion Trend charging into contention just outside them.

Fashion Trend could never get her head in front. The two pulled away from the rest of the field with Antares World hitting the finish line in 1:45.75 and paying $6.40. Fashion Trend was six lengths in front of third-place finisher Young Paris.

"I didn't want to make the lead so soon but she just cruised by [Seeking the Queen]," said Alvarado. "She finished strong. I was never worried about the other filly getting by us."

Winning trainer Steve Specht said he, too, was confident as Antares World led turning for home. "She digs in and gives it her all every time," he said, noting the filly would likely have to make her next start down south.

A homebred daughter of Decarchy owned by Larry and Marianne Williams, Antares World earned $45,000 for her third victory in six starts. Her career earnings are now $108,978.