Fair Apache wins fair fight in Valkyr

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Fair Apache was up for a fight in Saturday's $71,625 Valkyr Handicap at Hollywood Park.

After leading by a length on the backstretch, Fair Apache was challenged on the turn by Global, but fought through the stretch to win by a head.

Ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye, Fair Apache ($5.60) ran 5 1/2 furlongs on turf in 1:02.05. A 5-year-old mare, Fair Apache set fractions of 22.25 and 44.26 seconds before being challenged by Global.

"She's just steady," Delahoussaye said. "She finishes like she'll kick on, but she keeps that same pace."

Global, trained by Jack Carava, finished 1 1/2 lengths in front of Warren's Whistle, who was followed by Kinky Kinky and Dusty Heather, the 8-5 favorite, who faded through the stretch.

The Valkyr, restricted to California-bred fillies and mares, was Fair Apache's first stakes win since she was acquired last summer by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez and turned over to trainer Christopher Paasch.

Paasch told Delahoussaye to urge Fair Apache through the lane.

I said, "Once you ask her, really ask her," Paasch said. "She's kind of a stubborn filly. She's game."

Fair Apache has won 9 of 22 starts and $247,981. Paasch mentioned the $125,000 Royal North Stakes over six furlongs on turf at Woodbine on Aug. 4 as a possible next start.