FAIRPLEX : Nancys French Fry Wins the Shephard

Nancys French Fry, under a patient ride from Fernando Valenzuela, caught Prospect For Four in mid-stretch and pulled away for a 1 1/2-length victory in the $50,000 Phil D. Shephard Stakes at Fairplex Park on Saturday.

Prospect For Four, ridden by David Flores, was unbeaten in four previous races at the L.A. County Fair and was in position to make it five in a row.

But Nancys French Fry, running next to last in the 10-horse field most of the way, made a strong move around the far turn to win the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:43 1/5.

“He’s a nice horse to ride,” Valenzuela said. “I was a little worried about Prospect For Four, but once I got into my horse and he responded, I knew I wasn’t going to lose.”

It was the second victory of the day for Valenzuela, whose first came aboard Famegame ($6.20) in the eighth race.

Flores, who was seeking his third victory of the day, had no excuses. “My horse tried hard and he ran his race. I tried to open up on the turn. I knew the other horse (Nancys French Fry) was coming. We just got beat.”

Vladmir Cerin, who trains the winner, said Nancys French Fry probably will come back in the Pomona Handicap on Oct. 2.

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Steve Treasure rode Sticky N Picky to a one-length victory over Pretty Sensation, ridden by Brian Green, in the $10,000 First Down Dash Handicap for quarter horses.

Lil Bita Brunch, with a four-race winning streak going into the 350-yard race, broke poorly and finished fourth.

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Trainer Mike Puhich has returned to work after a recent bout with hepatitis, but his workload is lighter because long-time clients Al and Sandee Kirkland took about half the horses that had been under his care and turned them over to David Hofmans.

Among the horses Puhich lost was Daros, the winner of the 1992 Del Mar Derby.

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Oncefortheroad, who stumbled at the start of Friday’s Beau Brummel and then raced evenly to finish fourth, probably will return in the Gateway to Glory Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on Sept. 29.