Centerofattention wins Luther Burbank

SANTA ROSA, Calif. - Centerofattention ($16) sat off a pace duel between A B Noodle and Knockout Crown and outfinished Knockout Crown late to win the $53,900, at the Sonoma County Fair on Sunday.

"We kinda knew we made a mistake chasing A B Noodle last time," said winning jockey Joey Castro of the 5-year-old mare who had finished fourth in the Alameda County Fillies & Mares Handicap. "Maybe it cost her second or third. We shipped in early, and I worked her and realized we were better off settling in."

A B Noodle went for the lead with Knockout Crown applying pressure all the way. The two dueled five lengths in front of the rest of the field of seven older fillies and mares down the backstretch in the 1 1/16-mile race.

Knockout Crown finally put away A B Noodle heading into the lane, but Centerofattention was coming strong and wore her down late, winning by a head in 1:43.87.

Favored Aunt Sophie, who was stuck inside for much of the race, came flying late when she was able to get outside but finished third one-half length behind the top pair in her bid for her third straight stakes victory.

Centerofattention earned $30,000 for her fourth victory in 21 starts. Her career earnings are now $225,396.