Griswold Avenges Match-Race Loss

Griswold, the 870-yard quarter horse world-record holder, won the $100,000 Marathon Invitational Friday night at Los Alamitos, avenging a loss to thoroughbred Valiant Pete in a match race at Santa Anita last April.

Griswold raced with Wings Of The Dove in the opening 100 yards, took the lead on the turn and held off Valiant Pete’s rally for a 1 1/2-length victory. Henry Garcia rode Griswold, who was timed in 44.62 seconds, well off his world record 43.99 seconds set last February on this same course.

Valiant Pete, who finished fifth Nov. 9 at California Cup Day at Santa Anita, broke the slowest of the six quarter horses and two thoroughbreds but rallied in the stretch under David Flores.

Bailarin, another thoroughbred who won a stakes race at 87-1 odds during last summer’s Orange County Fair, finished third.