Listenupshance, under Emisael Jaramillo, pulled clear in the stretch and hung tough to win the Grade 1 Bing Crosby by a nose at Del Mar in his first Grade 1 try. (© Benoit Photo)
Del Mar Press
Great Friends Stables and Run Fast Racing’s Listenupshance, a 4-year-old gelding taking his first crack at Grade I company Saturday at Del Mar, pulled clear in the stretch in the six panel dash, then hung tough late to come away a nose winner in the $401,500 headliner.
Ridden by Emisael Jaramillo, who was capturing his first stakes race at Del Mar, the son of Shancelot ran the distance in a rapid 1:09.33 to take down a first prize of $240,000. Doug O’Neill, who was winning his 50th stakes at Del Mar with the score, saddled the dark bay or brown horse who came up out of the claiming ranks to take down his big score. The horse returned $13.80 to his backers in the crowd.
Finishing second was Agave Racing Stable and partners’ Maximum Bourbon, who was a length and a half better than Tom Kagele’s Moonlight. Eight horses in all ran.
The Crosby is a “Win & You’re In” Breeders’ Cup race that provides the winning horse with a guaranteed spot in the $2-million Breeders’ Cup Sprint, which will be held at Keeneland in October.
Earlier on the card, BAG Racing Stables and WSS Racing’s Baltic Fire held on gamely late under Kyle Frey to capture the $100,000 Osunitas Stakes by a neck. The 5-year-old mare by Flameaway is trained by Jeff Mullins and she ran the mile on turf in 1:34.01. She returned $16.20 to her backers.
Also, Augustin Stables or Stone Farm’s Amorita proved best by a whisker in the $100,000 Daisycutter Handicap under Antonio Fresu. The Richard Mandella-trained filly ran five furlongs on grass in :56.38 and paid $12.40 for $2.
Racing resumes at Del Mar tomorrow with an 11-race card beginning at 2 p.m.
EMISAEL JARAMILLO (Listenupshance, winner) – “My plan was to break in front, but that didn’t happen. I got away just a little bad. So I followed the 8 horse (Mad House) and waited for my chance. He made the lead for me at the half, then we went on from there. He just had enough at the finish.”
DOUG O’NEILL (Listenupshance, winner) – “Emisael (Jaramillo) did such a great job of getting a clean break. He was laying in a perfect spot but then I saw 21 and change and I thought maybe they’re both in trouble. I just knew this horse was a warrior. I knew if he was anywhere near at the head of the lane he’d be near at the wire. I’m just over the moon.”
FRACTIONS: :21.88 :44.18 :56.32 1:09.33
The stakes win was the first of the meet for both rider Jaramillo and trainer O’Neill.
The stakes win was the first at Del Mar for rider Jaramillo.
The stakes win was the first in the Bing Crosby for trainer O’Neill. It is his 50th stakes at the track overall.
The large winning owners groups are headed by Great Friends Stables along with Run Fast Racing.
