Trunk Surprise Winner in La Habra Stakes

Trunk, far back in the early going, turned on a late burst of speed to score an upset in Wednesday’s $68,800 La Habra Stakes at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Gary Stevens in the turf event for 3-year-old fillies, Trunk was a half-length in front of Akamini at the wire. Azorrable, the betting favorite, was third, another head back.

Trunk covered the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15 4/5.

Eighth in the 11-horse field in the early stages of the race, Trunk began gradually moving up as most of the front-runners began to fall back.

Trunk returned $26.40, $8.80 and $5.20. Akamini paid $3.80 and $3. Azorrable paid $3 to show.

It was only the second victory in 14 lifetime starts for Trunk, a Maryland-bred daughter of Danzig-Saratoga Fleet.

The victory in the feature was one of two on the afternoon for Stevens, who was celebrating his 22nd birthday. He also rode winner Young Beau in the fourth race.