Fluke wins $300,000 Citation Handicap

Fluke beat Ever a Friend by a length in an emotional upset to win the $300,000 Citation Handicap race at Hollywood Park on Friday.

The Brazilian-bred Fluke, the sixth choice at odds of 9-1, was trained by Humberto Ascanio, who took over the late Bobby Frankel’s stable after the Hall of Fame trainer died on Nov. 16.

The 4-year-old horse, ridden by Joe Talamo, ran the 9 1/2 furlongs in 1:40.48, and paid $20, $7.80 and $4.40.

Ever a Friend returned $6 and $3.80. Cowboy Cal paid $3.20 to show.

The race was worth $180,000 to the winner and boosted Fluke’s career earnings to $308,348.

-- associated press