Stevens Guides Bibi Star to Victory in Turf Feature

French-bred Bibi Star took the lead early and stayed in front the rest of the way to win Friday’s $39,000 feature race on the turf at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Gary Stevens, Bibi Star finished 1 3/4 lengths ahead of My Song For You in the 1 1/8-mile grass race for fillies and mares 4 years old and up. Childwood Memories finished third, another two lengths back.

Bibi Star carried 119 pounds and was clocked in 1:47 1/5. Bibi Star, the 9-5 wagering favorite of the crowd of 16,056, paid $8.40, $4.20 and $3. My Song For You paid $3.80 and $2.80, and Childhood Memories paid $2.40.

Bibi Star took command immediately while My Song for You was just off the pace. My Song For You made a mild bid at the head of the stretch drive, but Bibi Star’s lead was never seriously threatenend.