Doc Holiday wins Will Rogers

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Doc Holiday, beaten in his first three starts in the United States, won his first stakes with a game performance in Saturday's $106,500 Will Rogers Stakes at Hollywood Park.

Ridden by David Flores for trainer Wally Dollase, Doc Holiday ($8.40) led throughout the Grade 3 Will Rogers, finishing a mile on turf in 1:34.64. He won by a neck over Johar, who was followed by Golden Arrow, True Phenomenon and Line Rider. Six Hitter was scratched on Saturday morning.

Doc Holiday set the early pace of 23.43 and 47.21 seconds, closely followed by Line Rider. Johar was third on the backstretch along the rail, seemingly in an ideal spot, with Golden Arrow and True Phenonomen farther back.

At the end of the backstretch, jockey Alex Solis switched Johar outside and challenged the leaders with a three-wide move. Line Rider faded from contention in early stretch, leaving Doc Holiday with a one-length advantage over Johar.

Racing along the rail, Doc Holiday held off Johar who closed ground through the stretch.

Doc Holiday races for a partnership and has won 3 of 11 starts and $141,669.

Earlier this year, the Irish-bred colt finished second in the La Puente Stakes at Santa Anita and second in the Grade 3 Ascot Handicap at Bay Meadows.