Bonita goes last to first in Panama City Handicap

Bonita closed from last to first for a three-quarter-length win over highweight Josdesanimaux in the $50,000 Panama City Handicap on Sunday at Gulfstream Park.

It was another three quarters of a length back to Imperial Secret in third.

The Panama City was run over a mile on turf and was restricted to fillies and mares bred in Florida.

Bonita ($21.20) was moved over to the rail soon after the start and trailed her rivals as Justa Jill took the field through an opening quarter in 24.80 seconds. Bonita continued to bring up the rear as Majestic Maiara took over through a half-mile in 49.15 seconds before starting to advance through six furlongs in 1:12.60. In the stretch, Bonita put in a determined bid to catch Josdesanimaux in the late stages, covering the distance on firm ground in 1:36.26.

Edgard Zayas rode the winner for trainer Chad Stewart.

Bonita earned $30,070 for the win, which was her fourth from 15 career starts. She has now earned $127,465. Mario Silva owns Bonita, a daughter of Bluegrass Cat bred by Arindel Farm.