La Rocca disposes of Ochoa once again

VANCOUVER, British Columbia In a replay of the $75,000 Sonoma Stakes at Northlands Park on Aug. 23, heavily favored La Rocca ($3.80) easily handled Ochoa in the $122,137 British Columbia Oaks at Hastings on Saturday.

Breaking alertly with Fernando Perez aboard, La Rocca was under pressure from Miss Kay Dee Raine while setting fractions of 23.73 and 47.41 seconds. She took control of the 1 1/8-mile race after six furlongs and after opening up a three-length lead at the top of the stretch, she held off the late bid by Ochoa to win by 2 1/2 lengths while completing the distance in 1:50.20. Miss Kay Dee Raine held on to finish a clear third over Tierra Del Feugo, who was the second choice in the wagering.

"I had a lot of horse the whole race," said Perez.

Her trainer, Terry Jordan, was confident going into the race and wasn't surprised by her easy win.

"She s a very nice filly," he said. "I told Fernando that if somebody wants to chase you just let them go."

La Rocca earned $75,000 for her owner, Peter Redekop.

Perez also won the $50,169 Delta Colleen for older fillies and mares aboard Blue Sky Holiday ($8.70).

Trained by John Snow, Blue Sky Holiday came from off the pace to edge the odds-on favorite, Summer Song, by a half-length. Her final time for 1 1/8 miles was 1:50.20.

It was Blue Sky Holiday's first win since she won the B.C. Oaks last year.