Daytona wins Oak Tree Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. - Daytona won his first career stakes in his graded stakes debut in Saturday's $150,000 Oak Tree Derby at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting.

Daytona ($22.60) was always prominent in the Grade 2 race over 1 1/8 miles on turf. Ridden by Mike Smith, Daytona stalked pacesetter Asperity to the end of the backstretch, took the lead on the final turn and was not challenged through the stretch, winning by 4 1/4 lengths.

Trained by Dan Hendricks for a partnership, Daytona was timed in 1:46.40. Ten a Penny, last of 10 until the final turn, rallied to finish second, 1 3-4 lengths in front of Stoneside, the 5-2 favorite.

Daytona has won 3 of 9 starts and $161,390. He was third in the El Cajon Stakes at Del Mar on Aug. 31 in his stakes debut. Bred in Ireland, Daytona began his career in England and joined Hendricks's barn in the spring.