Foxysox upsets in China Doll

Cherokee Prince, Mike Allen up, goes wire to wire winning the Budweiser Challenge Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. He paid $61.60 and set a track record.

Foxysox could not win in five starts last year in Great Britain, but she has found these shores far more accommodating. After capturing a maiden race in her United States debut on Feb. 9, Foxysox returned on Saturday and scored a 14-1 upset in the $87,150 China Doll Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita.

The China Doll remained on the turf course despite overnight rain. Another one-mile grass race later in the day, an optional claimer, was moved to the main track. There were two late scratches from the China Doll, leaving a field of nine to traverse a course rated good.

Foxysox, under Alex Bisono, rated kindly in second as Golden Silk set soft fractions of 23.80 seconds, 49.29, and 1:14.06 through the first six furlongs. The pace made it difficult for the late runners, most notably the 3-5 favorite, Kitty Hawk, who pulled relentlessly under Alex Solis and nearly clipped heels heading down the backstretch.

Solis's hands were puffy and aching after the race.

"She finally settled, once we were in the stretch and she was all done pulling," Solis said, ruefully.

Foxysox ($30.40) surged past Golden Silk a furlong out and steadily pulled away, despite Bisono having the whip inadvertently knocked out of his hand. She won by 1 1/4 lengths and completed one mile in 1:38.14. Golden Silk nosed out Incumbent for second. Kitty Hawk wound up sixth.

"Usually Europeans need to be covered up, but she relaxed and was very kind," Bisono said.

Carla Gaines trains Foxysox, a daughter of Foxhound, for owner Warren Williamson. She said Foxysox was bought at the Newmarket sales in October in consultation with agent Alistair Donald.