ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2017) – Rising star Flavien Prat notched his third Grade I win on the day and Hall of Fame conditioner Richard Mandella got his second, as Avenge successfully defended her title in Saturday’s Grade I, $300,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes, winning by three quarters of a lengths while negotiating a mile and a quarter on turf in 1:58.74.

With favored Goodyearforroses seemingly cruising to her immediate outside three furlongs from home, Avenge lengthened her stride and marched to an impressive victory–her first since taking the 2016 Rodeo Drive four starts back.

The 2-1 second choice in a field of nine fillies and mares three and up, Avenge paid $6.00, $4.00 and $3.00.

Owned by Ramona Bass, the 5-year-old mare by War Front got her seventh win from 16 starts and with the winner’s share of $180,000, increased her earnings to $868,341.

Early pacesetter Goldy Espony, ridden by Mike Smith, dropped back a bit at the rail around the far turn as it appeared the winner and Goodyearforroses would dispute the outcome, but she kept to her task and finished second by a nose over Responsibleforlove.

Off at 12-1, Goldy Espony paid $9.60 and $6.40.

Ridden by Joe Talamo, Responsibleforlove was far back early, surged late and just missed the place, finishing a nose in front of Amboseli for third money.  Off at 11-1, Responsibleforlove paid $6.00 to show.

Fractions on the race were 23.72, 47.50, 1:11.34 and 1:34.52.