Santa Rosa: Our Mango wins Destruel

Trainer Steve Specht said he was "sweating bullets" seeking a victory in his hometown, and he accomplished that when Our Mango ($28.40) got a perfect trip along the rail to win the $51,895 Elie Destruel Handicap on Monday, closing day at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa.

"When Christmas Time scratched and we ended up on the rail, I was a little concerned because my mare has just enough speed that she might have gotten trapped, but she was also on the best part of the track," Specht said.

Jetinto Houston, breaking from just outside Our Mango, sped to the lead ahead of Channing Way and favored Pheiffer. That allowed Our Mango to get a good trip from just behind the pace.

Jockey Frank Alvarado waited for room along the rail, and when space opened, he sent Our Mango through the hole and quickly pulled clear to win the six-furlong race for fillies and mares by two lengths over Pheiffer in 1:09.32. Channing Way, who made the lead in the stretch finished third.

Our Mango earned $30,385 in her fourth victory in 26 starts for Para Dice Acres. Her career earnings are now $153,931.