DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — Shrug was a surprise winner Wednesday in the $93,600 Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar, holding off Lakerville by a nose in the short turf sprint.
Ridden by Victor Espinoza for trainer Carla Gaines, Shrug took the lead in the stretch after running fourth in the field of seven for much or the five-furlong race. Lakerville charged from next-to-last and nearly caught Shrug, who won in 56 seconds.
Shrug paid $21.40, $5.80 and $6.20. Lakerville returned $3.40 and $3.60, and Sirocco Strike paid $5.80 to show.
Koast, the 7-5 favorite, was fourth, but less than a half-length separated the top four finishers.
A 4-year-old son of Medaglia d’Oro owned by Mark Mache, Shrug earned $53,100 for his fourth victory in 15 career starts, taking his lifetime bankroll to $190,380.
