Fran’s Valentine Is Feature Winner

Pat Valenzuela and Fran’s Valentine fought off a stretch drive by Artichoke, ridden by Ron Hansen, to win the $106,800 Yankee Valor Handicap by a neck Monday at Santa Anita’s Oak Tree meeting.

Last Command, piloted by Ray Sibille, finished another 1 1/2 lengths back in the 1 1/16 mile race for older horses, 3-years-old and up.

Carrying 115 pounds, Fran’s Valentine ran the distance on a fast track in 1.41 4/5 to defeat five rivals and capture the $61,550 winner’s purse.