Philadelphia: Pommes Frites in front

Pommes Frites had a bit of unexpected company early in the $100,000 Dr. James Penny Memorial Handicap at Philadelphia Park. But she was all alone for most of the run through the stretch.

Briefly relegated to second by 50-1 shot Bonanza Jellybean's burst of early speed, Pommes Frites ($2.80) took the lead before a half-mile was run, opened up by four lengths in the stretch, and held off a rally from Sabellina to win the Penny by 1 1/4 lengths.

Racing over a turf course rated good, the 4-year-old Pommes Frites, ridden by Jose Santos for trainer Bill Mott, got the distance in 1:44.93. She has now won 4 of her last 5 starts, beaten only a neck in the Grade 2 Just a Game Handicap at Belmont in her previous race three weeks ago.

Sabellina, the 3-1 second choice in the field of seven fillies and mares, had to await room while stuck behind a wall of horses. She closed strongly from far back under Pablo Fragoso once she found an opening, but didn't seriously threaten the winner. Sabellina was 6 1/2 lengths clear of third-place Buck Trout's Niece.