Sacramento: Indian Gracey wins first stakes in State Fair Sprint

The 4-year-old Indian Gracey, who set the pace before finishing third in the Grade 1 Oak Leaf Stakes as a 2-year-old, overcame a poor start and rallied to nail favored English Royal in the closing strides to win the $75,000 California State Fair Sprint Handicap on Saturday at the California State Fair in Sacramento.

Indian Gracey ($23.60), part of an uncoupled uncoupled entry for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, hesitated and then hopped when the starting gate opened. She recovered quickly under jockey Julien Couton and gained a good stalking position behind battling leaders Trappers Bounty, favored English Royal, and Paris in April.

English Royal stuck her head in front of Trappers Bounty as the two opened on their rivals at the quarter pole. She took control in the lane, pulling 2 1/2 lengths clear of Trappers Bounty with Indian Gracey and length back.

Couton had Indian Gracey in the clear three wide and went to work right-handed on her. A daughter of Indian Ocean, Indian Gracey kept charging and surged to the lead in the final strides, outfinishing English Royal by head to win the six-furlong race for fillies and mares in 1:10.75.

English Royal was 3 1/2 lengths in front of Idaho invader Paris in April, who won a three-way photo from Advance Ticket and Trappers Bounty for third.

A $34,000 Ocala 2-year-old in training purchase by Hollendorfer, who owns her, Indian Gracey earned $45,000 for the victory and has now earned $145,310 with 3 wins in 8 starts.