Is It True Is Last in Comeback Race at Santa Anita

Is It True, who beat Kentucky Derby favorite Easy Goer last Nov. 5 in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile race, ran for the first time since then Friday, finishing fifth and last in the eighth race at Santa Anita.

Is It True suffered a knee injury and had surgery after his Breeder’s Cup victory.

Ridden by Laffit Pincay, Is It True was outrun early, went wide down the backstretch and faded in the final quarter.

Valiant Pete, with Gary Stevens aboard, led throughout to win the $37,000 race by a half-length. Roman Avie, under Patrick Valenzuela, was second, 1 1/4 lengths in front of Yes I’m Blue, ridden by Robbie Davis.

Valiant Pete covered the six furlongs in 1:08 2/5 for his third win in five starts.

Sent off the third choice by bettors in a crowd of 22,880, Valiant Pete paid $10.40, $6 and $3.

Roman Avie returned $6.20 and $3, and Yes I’m Blue paid $2.80 to show.