Fairplex: Chalula One upholds family honor in Bangles and Beads

POMONA, Calif. – Like grandmother, like granddaughter.

Chalula One won her first start at Fairplex Park on Friday, scoring a 1 3/4-length win in the $50,000 Bangles and Beads Stakes and invoking memories of granddam Mama Simba, the all-time stakes-winning filly or mare in Los Angeles County Fair history.

Mama Simba won five stakes at Fairplex, including the Bangles and Beads in 1991 and 1993. Richard Mandella trained Mama Simba and also trains Chalula One, a 5-year-old by Bertrando whose victory was the first stakes of her 4-for-15 career.

Martin Pedroza rode Chalula One ($6). Even-money favorite Halfapondarosa finished second, followed by Came West. The final time for the 6 1/2-furlong race was 1:17.80.

Pedroza won three races Friday to virtually clinch his 13th consecutive Fairplex Park riding title. Pedroza enters Saturday with a 27-19 advantage over Christian Santiago-Reyes. The 2011 Los Angeles County Fair meet ends Sunday.