Stevens, Bedside Promise Win Palos Verdes Handicap

Favored Bedside Promise, ridden by Gary Stevens, rallied through the stretch to post a one-length victory Sunday in the $105,250 Palos Verdes Handicap at Santa Anita.

Bolder Than Bold, ridden by Gary Baze, finished second, 2 lengths in front of Rocky Marriage, ridden by Ray Sibille, in a field of six.

Bedside Promise, who earned $60,000 for the victory, was clocked in a swift 1:08 2-5 for six furlongs over a fast main track. The 4-year-old son of Honest Pleasure had won the Hollywood Sprint Championship and finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in his last two starts.

Sent off the 3-2 favorite, Bedside Promise paid $5, $2.80 and $2.40. Bolder Than Bold returned $3.20 and $2.60, and Rocky Marriage paid $3.60 to show.

Carrying high-weight of 123 pounds, Bedside Promise advanced on the far turn to take command entering the stretch. The colt responded to steady left-handed pressure through the stretch to hold off Bolder Than Bold.

Bolder Than Bold, carrying 116 pounds, found a clear path near the rail entering the stretch and moved to challenge for the lead in midstretch, but could not get past the winner.

Rocky Marriage led early under 115 pounds but weakened in the final furlong.