Misty Ocean ($5.40), a bit rank while opening a big lead early, turned back a challenge from favored Royale Action approaching the quarter pole and scored a decisive victory in the $75,000 Golden Poppy Stakes at Golden Gate Fields.

Stepping up off a May 2 allowance turf victory at Bay Meadows, Misty Ocean quickly made the lead from the rail in the 1 1/16-mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies. Jockey Frank Alvarado let her go early, allowing her to relax naturally after opening a four-length lead through the opening half-mile.

Verdana Bold set sail on a clear lead and held off even-money favorite Grace and Power in the final strides to take the Grade 3, $259,300 Selene Stakes at Woodbine.

Verdana Bold set fractions of 24.04 seconds and 47.26 in the 1 1/16-mile race, and she opened up a four-length lead on the far turn, through three-quarters in 1:10.68. Maryland shipper Grace and Power commenced an inside rally exiting the far turn and came up a head short of the winner.

Them There Eyes, who had one horse beaten turning for home, uncorked a furious stretch kick under Jose Espinoza that carried her past the field en route to a three-length victory in the $111,400 Mount Vernon Handicap for New York-breds at Belmont Park.

Factual Contender, who had the lead turning for home, finished second by 2 1/4 lengths over Rewrite.

Two Step Salsa won his first stakes in Sunday's $107,200 Laz Barrera Stakes at Hollywood Park in relatively easy fashion, setting a modest pace and pulling away through the stretch.

Breaking from the rail in a field of six 3-year-olds, Two Step Salsa led through early fractions of 22.60 and 44.66 seconds under jockey Martin Pedroza. Two Step Salsa led by a half-length on the turn and won by three over Afleet Ruler.

Pedroza said that Two Step Salsa collided with Rapidity, who broke from post 2, leaving the gate, but that Two Step Salsa recovered quickly.

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The 1 1/16-mile distance was the big question mark for Verdana Bold entering Sunday's Grade 3, $259,300 Selene Stakes for 3-year-old fillies.

And while the wire came none too soon for jockey Emile Ramsammy and trainer Danny Vella, Verdana Bold held on to prevail by a head for her second consecutive stakes victory.

"It wasn't really what we were looking for, in the way she ran," Vella said. "The middle fractions we're a little quick.

"But she's got no quit in her. She's a lovely filly."

ELMONT, N.Y. - The CNN satellite truck parked alongside the main track Monday morning was the first sign. The hordes of television cameramen and still photographers who showed up here in the afternoon was the second.

This Belmont Stakes could get crazy.

Kentucky-based Reigning Court ($6.20) improved his record to 3 for 3 shipping into Mountaineer Racetrack with a wire-to-wire victory in Saturday night's $75,000 Waterford Park Handicap.

Ridden by Mary Doser for trainer Scott Sowle, the 5-year-old Reigning Court scored by 3 1/4 lengths, completing the six furlongs over a muddy track in 1:11.62. He has now won 9 of 27 lifetime and $334,625.

Bernie Blue, the 3-5 favorite in a field of six older sprinters, nosed out 19-1 longshot Nakayama Arashi for second.

Banker's D Light, the longest price among eight Minnesota-breds at 24-1, upset the $50,000 10,000 Lakes Stakes at Canterbury Park on Saturday.

Racing near the pace from the outset while along the rail, Banker's D Light ($50.20), ridden by Anne Van Rosen for trainer Phil Hartman, challenged for the lead entering the turn, opened up a 3 1/2-length lead margin, then held well to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths while completing the six furlongs in 1:12.49. Trickyville Dew finished second, a half-length in front of Bee O Bee Bob.

Revv It up ($11.40) remained unbeaten after three starts with a nose victory over Sixish in Saturday's $340,150 Kindergarten for 2-year-old Quarter Horses at Los Alamitos.

Ridden by Ramon Sanchez, Revv It Up overcame a bump with Sixish at the start to win her stakes debut, finishing 300 yards in 15.30 seconds. Show Me A Beduino finished third, but was disqualified and placed last for causing interference. Hes Regal was promoted from fourth to third.

Revv It Up, a filly by First Down Dash, has earned $142,863 for Keilani Farms and trainer Paul Jones.

Doc Tanner ($38), winner of a $3,500 claiming race at Fonner Park going a half-mile in his last start, upset 3-5 favorite Bevys Best by a half-length in Saturday's $15,450 Speed Stakesat the Lincoln State Fair.

Doc Tanner, ridden by apprentice Chris Fackler for trainer Brian Roberts, dueled with the favorite throughout, relinquished the lead into the stretch and rallied back to score by a half-length in 51.60 seconds for the 4 1/2 furlongs over a fast track.

I'm Real was another head back in third, combining for an 8-6-2 trifecta worth $245.40.