Dodd notches first stakes in Houston Ladies

Dodd became a stakes winner on Saturday night when she kept 4-5 favorite Expectant Diva at bay by two lengths in the $40,000 Houston Ladies for Texas-bred fillies and mares at Sam Houston Race Park. It was another six and a quarter lengths back in third to Cookin's Cast.

Dodd ($18.80) stalked the pace set by Grand Taboo, who led the field through an opening quarter in 22.69 seconds and a half-mile in 46.14. Dodd overtook that one, and went on to cover the seven furlongs in 1:25.88.

"When I called on her, she had a lot of gas left in the tank," said Glen Murphy, who rode the winner for trainer Troy Young. "[Expectant Diva] was coming. I felt her and Dodd did, too. She just had something extra."

Dodd earned $24,000 and has now won 6 of 22 starts and $104,280. She races for her breeder, Victoria Ashford.