Dahar Wins by a Nose at Santa Anita

Coming from far off the pace, Dahar edged favored Paris Prince by a nose to win the $86,750 San Gabriel Handicap on the turf at Santa Anita Saturday.

Jockey Fernando Toro, a master turf rider, allowed the winner to lag in sixth position until the turn for home, where he put his mount to a drive.

Massera, racing last in the field of seven until the stretch, was a late-closing third.

Trainer Charles Whittingham earned his sixth victory in the San Gabriel Handicap.

For Dahar it was his first American win. A Kentucky-bred son of Lyphard, Dahar began his career in Europe and earned major victories in France before returning to his homeland last summer.

Sent off as second choice, Dahar covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:47 3/5 on the infield grass course and paid $6.80, $3.40 and $2.60.

After the day’s racing had started, it was announced that Milord, regarded as a top contender in the San Gabriel, had died from an allergic reaction to medication received earlier in the day.