Racing at Oak Tree : Toro Rides Longshot Dr. Brent to Victory in Morvich Handicap

Longshot Dr. Brent, ridden by Fernando Toro, took the lead in the final 1/16 of a mile to win the $85,100 Morvich Handicap on the turf by a half-length Saturday at Santa Anita’s Oak Tree meeting.

Serve N’ Volley, with Russell Baze aboard, finished second, a length in front of Caballo De Oro, under Rafael Meza.

Dr. Brent covered 6 1/2 furlongs over a firm course in 1:15 4/5 and earned $51,350.

Sent off the favorite by his supporters in the crowd of 41,640, Dr. Brent paid $25.20, $12.40 and $5.80. Serve N’ Volley, the only filly in the race, returned $9.60 and $7, while Caballo De Oro paid $5.

Carrying 115 pounds, Dr. Brent was outrun early and came on strongly to hold off the challenge by Serve N’ Volley. The latter, also carrying 115, was outrun early but rallied in the stretch to finish second.

Caballo De Oro, carrying 114, was the early pace-setter.

The first seven races on the 11-race program were simulcasts of the Breeders’ Cup races at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.