America wins Big A's Affectionately Stake

NEW YORK (AP) Celebrity chef Bobby Flay started the new year with a win as America captured the $100,000 Affectionately Stakes for fillies and mares on Monday at Aqueduct.

America rallied from last in the eight-horse field to edge Penwith by a nose for her first stakes victory. Flay owns and bred the 4-year-old who improved to 4 for 13.

Junior Alvarado was aboard for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott as America ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.68, paying $10.40, $3.90 and $3.30.

The entry of Penwith and Divided Attention finished 2-3, returning $4.60 and $4.60.

Belle Gallantey, the 3-5 favorite, faded to fifth.