Racing at Santa Anita : Cordero Rides Pine Tree Lane to Win in Las Flores Handicap

Heavily favored Pine Tree Lane, ridden by Angel Cordero, opened a long lead in midstretch and held on to win by a half-length in the $65,350 Las Flores Handicap Thursday at Santa Anita.

Rangoon Ruby, ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye, closed fast to finish second, 3 1/2 lengths in front of Her Royalty, ridden by Gary Stevens, in a field of eight fillies and mares.

Pine Tree Lane, who earned $38,350 for the victory, was clocked in 1:09 4/5 for six furlongs.

The winner paid $3.80, $2.80 and $2.40; Rangoon Ruby returned $5 and $3.20, and Her Royalty paid $3.

Pine Tree Lane, carrying high weight of 124 pounds, went to the front immediately. She drew clear after a half-mile and opened a five-length lead in midstretch before Rangoon Ruby made her move in the final eighth.

Rangoon Ruby, carrying 117 pounds, closed with a rush in the final furlong but couldn’t catch the leader. Her Royalty, with 120 pounds, moved up in the stretch to finish third.

X-rays of Brave Raj, the standout 2-year-old filly who was injured Wednesday at Santa Anita, will not be taken until today, trainer Mel Stute said.

Brave Raj, winner of the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Santa Anita on Nov. 1, came back lame in her right foreleg following a five-furlong workout.