Regal Groom Wins Stake at Fairplex

Regal Groom held off Gum to win the $150,000 Pomona Invitational Handicap, giving trainer Caesar Dominguez his fifth stakes victory of the 19-day Los Angeles County Fair meet a Fairplex Park.

The meet record for stakes victories is six, by Mel Stute in 1982.

Regal Groom stalked early leaders C. Sam Maggio and Memo to the top of the stretch, when jockey Corey Nakatani called on his mount to go after Memo, who went by C. Sam Maggio at the quarter pole.

Regal Groom finally pulled away from Memo in the final yards and was held off Gum by a neck in 1:50 for about 1 1/8 miles. Regal Groom paid $8 to win.

Today is closing day at the meet, with free grandstand admission. There will be a Pick Six carryover of $52,196.77; the entire net pool must be paid out.