Six-Length Victory in Providencia for Country Garden, Desormeaux

Getting the kind of trip she needs, Country Garden rolled to a six-length victory in the $81,750 Providencia Stakes Sunday at Santa Anita.

At her best when she settles off the pace and makes a late run, the 3-year-old Selkirk filly and 2-1 favorite relaxed well behind the slow pace under jockey Kent Desormeaux, then accelerated at the top of the stretch.

Trained by Walter Greenman for owner Ed McGrath, Country Garden won for the second time in five U.S. starts and has won four of 11 overall. The time for the 1 1/8 miles over a turf course labeled good was 1:50 4/5.

Star’s Proud Penny, the 5-2 second choice, was second, a little more than a length ahead of 3-1 third choice Marie J.

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Owner John Franks, trainer Bobby Barnett and jockey Carlos Gonzalez combined to win the $250,000 Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park with Silent Eskimo. The daughter of Eskimo led most of the way in beating favored Misty Hour, who was ridden by Pat Day for trainer Bill Mott. Came Unwound was third.