Lukas Ends 6-Year Oak Tree Stakes Drought

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas won his first stakes at Oak Tree since 1997 when Race for Glory captured the $80,850 Cavonnier Stakes for 2-year-old colts Wednesday by seven lengths at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Mike Smith at 117 pounds, the $600,000 son of Cape Town, gained command at the top of the stretch and drew clear in the seven-furlong event run in 1:22.46 on a fast track. He paid $6, $4 and $3.80 Robert and Beverly Lewis own Race for Glory.

For Lukas, it was his 32nd stakes victory at Oak Tree – fourth on the all-time list – but his first since Sharp Cat and Fantastic Fellow both won added-money events during the 1997 Oak Tree meet. He was not present for the race. Assistant Greg Falk saddled the winner.

P Town John, Frank Alvarado riding at 117 pounds, rallied to finish second and returned $5.40 and $3.60. It was one length back to Bewitching Bartok, Victor Espinoza up at 117 pounds, and a $6.80 show payoff.

Race for Glory began his career with a maiden victory at Arlington Park near Chicago and then finished fourth in a $98,000 stakes race last month at Ellis Park in Kentucky. The $48,510 first prize Wednesday pushed his earnings to $71,010 with a 2-0-0 record from three starts.

In the $80,550 Cover Gal Stakes for California-bred 2-year-old fillies, House of Fortune fought off a challenge by Nicole and Ben and edged away for a 2 ½-length victory in 1:23.52 for seven furlongs. The winner carried 116 pounds and paid $3.80, $2.80 and $2.20.

Alex Solis rode House of Fortune for trainer Ron McAnally and owner Arnold Zetcher.

Nicole and Ben, ridden by Tyler Baze at 116 pounds, held second and returned $4.40 and $3.20. She's Gottogetaway, Isaias Enriquez aboard at 121 pounds, finished third and paid $2.60 for show.

A daughter of 1999 Santa Anita Handicap winner Free House, House of Fortune has a 2-0-1 record from three starts and earnings of $79,004.

(Chart, Equibase)